The Denver Academy Mustangs will square off against the Rocky Mountain Lutheran Eagles at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Denver Academy has given up an average of 13.4 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Denver Academy is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 14 runs on Wednesday, they were much more limited against Dawson School on Thursday. They came up short against Dawson School, falling 21-1. The loss continues a trend for Denver Academy in their meetings with Dawson School: they've now lost eight in a row.
Denver Academy saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Josh Ortman, who went 1-for-2 with one double and one RBI.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Rocky Mountain Lutheran, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Tuesday. They were the clear victors by an 11-1 margin over Front Range Baptist on Thursday. Considering the Eagles have won six matches by more than nine runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Blake Harris made a splash while hitting and pitching. He struck out nine batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and not a single walk). He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Rocky Mountain Lutheran is 7-2 when he allows at most two earned runs, but 1-3 otherwise. Harris was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Gavin Borchardt, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run. Abel Alverado was another key player, going 1-for-2 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Rocky Mountain Lutheran always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .562. They are a perfect 6-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Rocky Mountain Lutheran's win bumped their record up to 8-5. As for Denver Academy, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-6.
Monday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Denver Academy has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .431. However, it's not like Rocky Mountain Lutheran struggles in that department as they've averaged .478. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Denver Academy came up short against Rocky Mountain Lutheran in their previous meeting back in March of 2022, falling 12-9. Can the Mustangs avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
