The Agua Fria Owls will face off against the Deer Valley Skyhawks at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Agua Fria has given up an average of 12.2 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Thursday just wasn't the day for Agua Fria's offense. They came up short against Estrella Foothills on Thursday, falling 26-0. The loss continues a trend for the Owls in their meetings with the Wolves: they've now lost seven in a row.
Meanwhile, Deer Valley had already won eight in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 8 runs) and they went ahead and made it nine on Thursday. Everything went their way against the Panthers as they made off with a 9-1 victory. The result was nothing new for the Skyhawks, who have now won eight contests by eight runs or more so far this season.
Gaven McDonald was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits over seven innings pitched. McDonald was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with one stolen base and two RBI. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, Tyler Carr was incredible, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one double. That's the most runs he has posted since back in April of 2024. Hunter Metz was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Deer Valley's win was their sixth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 15-8-1. Those road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.7 runs over those games. As for Agua Fria, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-13.
Monday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Agua Fria hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .317. However, it's not like Deer Valley struggles in that department as they've averaged .330. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Agua Fria might still be hurting after the 10-2 loss they got from Deer Valley in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can the Owls avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
