Burroughs is 1-9 against Apple Valley since April of 2019 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Thursday. The Burros will host the Sun Devils at 3:15 p.m. Burroughs has given up an average of 9.3 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Burroughs lost 14-8 to Oak Hills on Tuesday.
Burroughs got a big performance out of Sam Hibbs, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-5. Lorrain Gamble was another key player, going 2-for-5 with two runs and one triple.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Apple Valley). They were the clear victors by a 22-3 margin over Hesperia on Tuesday. The Sun Devils have beaten the Scorpions the last seven times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Scorpions has come to flipping the script.
Makaylee Cerf made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing four innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off four hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-5 with two RBI and one double.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Brooke Johnson, who fired off two home runs, six RBI, and four runs while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances. Those six RBI gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Hailey Macias, who scored four runs and stole a base while going 2-for-4.
Apple Valley kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. They are a perfect 6-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Apple Valley's win bumped their record up to 9-4-1. As for Burroughs, their loss dropped their record down to 5-10.
Thursday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Burroughs hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .379. However, it's not like Apple Valley struggles in that department as they've averaged .341. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Burroughs came out on top in a nail-biter against Apple Valley when the teams last played back in April of 2024, sneaking past 14-13. Will the Burros repeat their success, or do the Sun Devils have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
