The Gila Bend Gila Monsters will head out on the road to face off against the Heritage Academy Heroes at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday. Gila Bend has given up an average of 7 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Gila Bend easily dispatched Wickenburg Christian Academy on Friday, but unfortunately both the margin and the ultimate result were a different story in this one. The Gila Monsters fell just short of Trinity Christian by a score of 11-9 on Monday.
Jesus Gomez was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 1-for-3. Those stolen bases marked the first that he snagged this season. Easton Fernandez was another key player, scoring two runs while going 1-for-3.
Meanwhile, Heritage Academy got the win against Tri-City Christian Academy on Tuesday by a conclusive 16-7. Considering the Heroes have won three matchups by more than eight runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Carson Grover was incredible, going 2-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and one triple. He has become a key player for Heritage Academy: the team is 3-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 0-3 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of David Mota, who scored two runs and stole four bases while getting on base in two of his five plate appearances.
Heritage Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .590. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Heritage Academy has been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 3-4 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.0 runs over those games. As for Gila Bend, their defeat dropped their record down to 4-3.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Gila Bend has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .502. However, it's not like Heritage Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .500. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.
