The Cactus Shadows Falcons will head out on the road to square off against the ALA - Queen Creek Patriots at 3:45 p.m. on Monday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Cactus Shadows had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 17-run drubbing they dealt Coronado on Friday. The Falcons put the hurt on the Dons with a sharp 19-2 win. The victory was familiar territory for the Falcons, who have now won four contests in a row.
Aidan Klinefelter looked comfortable as he tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits.
Owen Konerko
| 04/04/25 vs Coronado | 4 |
| 03/31/25 @ Saguaro | 3 |
| 03/24/25 vs Peoria | 3 |
| 04/03/25 @ Coconino | 2 |
| 03/20/25 @ Combs | 2 |
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Owen Konerko, who went 2-for-3 with three runs, four RBI, and one triple. Those four RBI gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Evan Hanish, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI.
Meanwhile, ALA - Queen Creek came tearing into Friday's matchup with five straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 6 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They blew past the Coyotes 14-1.
Haizen Reidhead made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out seven over five innings pitched. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two hits in five consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one double. That triple was his first of the season.
In other batting news, Max Monsen was incredible, scoring three runs while going 3-for-3. Brasser Crumpton was another key player, scoring a run and stealing two bases while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances.
ALA - Queen Creek always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .605. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Combs only posted an OBP of .222.
Cactus Shadows' win was their tenth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 17-1-1. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.9 runs over those games. As for ALA - Queen Creek, their record now sits at 16-1.
Monday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Cactus Shadows hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .389. However, it's not like ALA - Queen Creek struggles in that department as they've averaged .348. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
