Manzano hasn't had much luck against Eldorado recently, but that could start to change on Saturday. The Monarchs will square off against the Eagles at 10:00 a.m. Manzano is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.4 runs per game this season.
Manzano took a 14-run loss the last time they faced off against Santa Fe, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Monarchs sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 7-6 win over the Demons on Saturday.
Tristan Chavez was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He struck out seven batters over 5.1 innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off three hits. Chavez was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Bodey Ethridge
| 03/11/26 @ Highland | 5 |
| 02/26/26 vs Highland | 5 |
| 03/26/26 vs Del Norte | 3 |
| 04/18/26 @ Santa Fe | 2 |
| 03/21/26 vs West Mesa | 2 |
| + 10 more games |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Bodey Ethridge, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. He is becoming a predictor of Manzano's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 5-1 (and 4-11 when he doesn't). Corey Rogers also deserves some recognition as he got his first hit of the season.
Manzano kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in three consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, Eldorado faced Sandia in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Saturday. The Eagles put the hurt on the Matadors with a sharp 13-7 victory. The Eagles might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 11 contests by six runs or more this season.
Eldorado got a massive performance out of Timothy Kamphuis, who went 2-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Sylas Tavarez, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and one double.
Eldorado has been performing well recently as they've won ten of their last 12 games. That's provided a nice bump to their 17-4 record this season. As for Manzano, their record is now 9-12.
Saturday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Manzano has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .463. However, it's not like Eldorado struggles in that department as they've averaged .526. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Manzano might still be hurting after the 18-7 defeat they got from Eldorado in their previous meeting back in March. Can the Monarchs avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
