Chino Valley is on a four-game streak of home wins, while Wickenburg is on a four-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. The Cougars will welcome the Wranglers at 3:45 p.m. on Thursday.
Chino Valley couldn't beat ALA - West Foothills on Wednesday even though they stacked eight runs on them in the second inning. The Cougars fell just short of the Guardians by a score of 9-8.
Maleah Garcia and Rebecca Sanders stepped up to the plate in a big way. Garcia went 2-for-3 with two runs and one double, while Sanders went 2-for-4 with two RBI and one run. The team also got some help courtesy of Jamie Felton, who went 1-for-3 with two RBI and one run.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Wickenburg). They were the clear victors by a 29-4 margin over Mountainside on Wednesday. Considering the Wranglers have won nine games by more than 11 runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Sydney Anderson made a splash while hitting and pitching. She tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, one double, and one RBI. Those three hits gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Brynlee Meister was incredible, going 4-for-5 with one home run, six RBI, and four runs. Those six RBI gave her a new career-high. Molly Melfi was another key player, going a perfect 4-for-4 with four runs, one triple, and two RBI.
Wickenburg always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .921. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Chino Valley's loss dropped their record down to 12-10. As for Wickenburg, they now have a winning record of 12-11.
Thursday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Chino Valley hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .315. However, it's not like Wickenburg struggles in that department as they've averaged .393. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Chino Valley suffered a grim 7-1 defeat to Wickenburg in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Can the Cougars avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
