Baseball Game Preview: Los Lunas Tigers vs. Volcano Vista Hawks

For the second straight game, Los Lunas will face off against Volcano Vista. The Tigers will face off against the Hawks at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Los Lunas is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.8 runs per game this season.

Los Lunas is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They were the clear victors by a 15-1 margin over Volcano Vista. Considering the Tigers have won ten matchups by more than six runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.

Matthew Castillo

Runs

04/29/25 vs Albuquerque	3
04/04/25 vs West Mesa	3
04/01/25 vs Atrisco Heritage Academy	3
05/09/25 @ Volcano Vista	2
04/22/25 @ West Mesa	2
+ 12 more games

Matthew Castillo was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run while striking out nine over seven innings pitched. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in five consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in four of his six plate appearances with two runs, two RBI, and one double. He is becoming a predictor of Los Lunas' success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 9-10 when he doesn't).

In other batting news, JJ Utash was incredible, going 3-for-5 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. Another player making a difference was Mark Scime, who went 2-for-4 with three runs and two RBI.

Los Lunas kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 17 hits. They are a perfect 10-0 when they post 11 or more hits.

Los Lunas is on a roll lately: they've won nine of their last 12 contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 17-10 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.8 runs over those games. As for Volcano Vista, their defeat dropped their record down to 15-12.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Saturday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Los Lunas has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Volcano Vista struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.