The Durango Trailblazers will head out on the road to face off against the Pinecrest Academy Cadence Cougars at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Durango is coming into the game on a five-game losing streak.
Durango lost 21-12 to Cimarron-Memorial on Wednesday. While the Trailblazers didn't get the win, they did start the game off strong, beating the Spartans 6-2 in the first period.
Alexia Carey spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and 19 unearned) runs on eight hits.
On the hitting side, Peyton McCullough and Leiah Biscocho stepped up to the plate in a big way. McCullough scored a run while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances, while Biscocho scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-4. McCullough also put up a double, which was her first of the season. Sage Hanson was another key player, scoring a run while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances.
Meanwhile, Pinecrest Academy Cadence came up short against Legacy on Wednesday, falling 18-3. The loss continues a trend for the Cougars in their meetings with the Longhorns: they've now lost three in a row.
Aliyah Kolish was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring two runs and stealing four bases while getting on base in both of her plate appearances. She has been hot recently, having posted two or more stolen bases the last three times she's played.
Pinecrest Academy Cadence's defeat dropped their record down to 3-10. As for Durango, their loss dropped their record down to 2-8.
Friday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Durango has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .536. However, it's not like Pinecrest Academy Cadence struggles in that department as they've averaged .572. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Durango took their win against Pinecrest Academy Cadence when the teams last played back in March by a conclusive 31-16 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Trailblazers since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
