Mesa Ridge and Pueblo Centennial are an even 4-4 against one another since March of 2016, but likely not for long. The Mesa Ridge Grizzlies will look to defend their home field on Thursday against the Pueblo Centennial Bulldogs at 4:00 p.m. Mesa Ridge is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.5 runs per game this season.
Mesa Ridge took a loss when they played away from home on Friday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Tuesday. Everything went their way against Colorado Springs Christian as Mesa Ridge made off with an 18-2 win. The victory was some much needed relief for the Grizzlies as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.
Gabriel Montijo
| 03/18/25 vs Colorado Springs Christian | 6 |
| 03/14/25 @ Doherty | 0 |
| 03/06/25 vs Sand Creek | 3 |
| 05/07/24 @ Widefield | 2 |
| 04/30/24 @ Coronado | 3 |
| + 3 more games |
Gabriel Montijo was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in April of 2024. He was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-3. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last five games he's played dating back to last season.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Brandon Bittner, who scored four runs and stole Three bases. while going 3-for-4. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April of 2024. Ozcar Walker was another key player, going 1-for-4 with one home run and four RBI.
Mesa Ridge kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their hit total in three consecutive games.
Meanwhile, Pueblo Centennial faced Greeley West in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Saturday. Pueblo Centennial fell just short of Greeley West by a score of 6-5. The Bulldogs just can't catch a break and have now endured four losses in a row.
Brayden Villegas was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring a run while going 2-for-3. He also put up a double, which was his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Julian Rincon, who scored a run while going 2-for-3.
Pueblo Centennial's defeat dropped their record down to 1-4. As for Mesa Ridge, their win (their first of the season) made their record 1-3.
Thursday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Mesa Ridge has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .441. However, it's not like Pueblo Centennial struggles in that department as they've averaged .451. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Mesa Ridge's way against Pueblo Centennial when the teams last played back in May of 2024, as Mesa Ridge made off with a 12-5 victory. Does Mesa Ridge have another victory up their sleeve, or will Pueblo Centennial turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
