Valley Vista hasn't had much luck against Tolleson recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Monsoon will challenge the Wolverines at 6:00 p.m. Valley Vista has given up an average of 16.5 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Valley Vista managed to slip by Westwood the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Monsoon came up short against the Warriors on Tuesday, falling 25-10. The Monsoon's loss continues a trend for the squad, making it six in a row.
Addison Kennedy was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring a run while going 2-for-3. Alyse Quezada was another key player, going 1-for-2 with one triple, two RBI, and one run.
Meanwhile, Tolleson came tearing into Tuesday's match with three straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 14.7 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They came out on top against the Kings by a score of 7-4.
Mayrin Acuna spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and two unearned) runs on nine hits. She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Dani Chairez and Marina Lara did most of the damage at the plate: Chairez scored a run while going 1-for-3, while Lara went 2-for-4 with two RBI and one double. Another player making a difference was Alyssa Pina, who scored two runs while going 2-for-3.
Tolleson was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .379. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .379 or higher in four consecutive contests.
Tolleson's win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 19-5. The home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.7 runs on average over those games. As for Valley Vista, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-14.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Valley Vista has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .571. However, it's not like Tolleson struggles in that department as they've averaged .519. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Valley Vista suffered a grim 17-0 defeat to Tolleson in their previous matchup on Monday. Can the Monsoon avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
