The Mercedes Tigers are taking a road trip to take on the Lopez Lobos at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Mercedes is coming into the matchup hot, having won their last three games.
Mercedes had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the seven-run drubbing they dealt Rivera on Tuesday. Mercedes put the hurt on Rivera with a sharp 9-2 victory. The Tigers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five contests by six runs or more this season.
Kayla Garza was a standout: she went a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBI, one triple, and one run. She also hit a double, marking her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Ashley De Leon, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI.
Meanwhile, Lopez gave up the first runs last Tuesday, but they didn't let that get them down. They walked away with a 9-5 win over Edcouch-Elsa. The victory continues a trend for the Lobos in their matchups with the Yellowjackets: they've now won three in a row.
Jenny Shank made a big impact no matter where she played. She struck out 12 batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and three unearned) runs off eight hits. She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one double.
In other batting news, Chalene Granado was incredible, going 2-for-4 with two triples, two RBI, and one run. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April of 2024. Ferni Pulido was another key player, scoring a run while going 1-for-3.
Mercedes' record now sits at 8-5. As for Lopez, the win got them back to even at 6-6.
Lopez's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Mercedes hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .322. It's a different story for Lopez, though, as they've only averaged .219. Will they be able to contain Mercedes' hitters?
Mercedes might still be hurting after the 8-1 loss they got from Lopez in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can Mercedes avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
