The Kellis Cougars will square off against the North Canyon Rattlers at 3:45 p.m. on Friday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, the two teams will really light up the scoreboard.
On Thursday, Kellis beat La Joya Community 15-10.
Alexander Maturino was incredible, going 3-for-4 with three runs, one triple, and one RBI. That's the most runs he has posted since back in February of 2024. Moises Moran was another key player, scoring a run while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances.
Maturino wasn't the only one working in the hit department: Kellis kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, North Canyon came tearing into Thursday's matchup with three straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 15.7 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They were the clear victor by a 12-2 margin over the Mustangs. The result was nothing new for the Rattlers, who have now won three contests by ten runs or more so far this season.
Jose Chavez made a splash while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. He was even better at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing Two bases. while going 3-for-3. North Canyon is undefeated when Chavez posts two or more runs, but 1-2 otherwise.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Jacob Kirby, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 4-for-4. He continues to improve, besting his previous point total in each of the last three games he's played. Another player making a difference was Logan Hunt, who scored two runs and stole Three bases. while getting on base in two of his three plate appearances.
Kellis' victory ended a five-game drought at home dating back to last season and bumped them up to 2-4. As for North Canyon, their win bumped their record up to 4-2.
Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Kellis has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .453. However, it's not like North Canyon struggles in that department as they've averaged .544. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Kellis came up short against North Canyon in their previous meeting back in April of 2024, falling 8-3. Can Kellis avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
