Shadow Mountain is 1-9 against Thunderbird since March of 2021 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Monday. The Matadors will head out to face off against the Titans at 6:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
The home team had come away the winner the last six times Shadow Mountain and Moon Valley had met, but sadly for the fans who attended this one that wasn't the case. The Matadors blew past the Rockets 11-1 on Thursday. The Matadors haven't had any issues with the Rockets recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.
Michael Collins made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over six innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits (and not a single walk). He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. That's the most hits he has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, Asher Kendall was incredible, going 2-for-4 with one home run and two runs. That's the most runs he has posted since back in March. Gavin Lieske was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two RBI and one run.
Shadow Mountain always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .514. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Moon Valley only posted an OBP of .182.
Meanwhile, Thunderbird got the win against Greenway on Thursday by a conclusive 13-5.
Thunderbird got a big performance out of John Paul (JP) Stewart, who got on base in two of his four plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Tyson Gorder, who went 1-for-3 with two runs and two RBI.
Shadow Mountain now has a winning record of 11-10-1. As for Thunderbird, their record is now 19-6.
Monday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Shadow Mountain has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .442. However, it's not like Thunderbird struggles in that department as they've averaged .486. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Shadow Mountain suffered a grim 16-6 defeat to Thunderbird in their previous matchup back in April of 2025. Can the Matadors avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
