The El Dorado Cougars will face off against the Cordova Lancers at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. El Dorado is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.1 runs per game this season.
If El Dorado beats Cordova with four runs on Friday, it's going to be the team's new lucky number: they've won their past two games with that exact score. The Cougars beat Union Mine on Thursday by the very same score they won with in their prior game: 4-1. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since April 25, 2023, but that streak is no more.
Gavin Ashton spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned run on five hits and racked up six Ks. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Joe Parsons was incredible, going 2-for-3 with one triple, one stolen base, and one run. Clay Garrett was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two doubles and one run.
Meanwhile, Cordova fell victim to West Park and their airtight pitching crew on Wednesday. They came up short against the Panthers, falling 17-0. The loss continues a trend for the Lancers in their meetings with the Panthers: they've now lost three in a row.
El Dorado's win was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 14-11. The road victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.7 runs on average over those games. As for Cordova, their defeat dropped their record down to 13-13-1.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. El Dorado has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.4 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Cordova struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 4.2 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
El Dorado was able to grind out a solid win over Cordova in their previous meeting back in March of 2024, winning 5-2. Will the Cougars repeat their success, or do the Lancers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
