Baseball Game Preview: Coconino Panthers vs. Independence Patriots

The Coconino Panthers will challenge the Independence Patriots at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.

Coconino took a ten-run defeat the last time they faced off against Mingus, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Panthers had just enough and edged out the Marauders 15-14. With that win, the Panthers brought their scoring average up to 6.4 runs per game.

Coconino got a massive performance out of Corbin Derr, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with two doubles, two RBI, and one run. That's the most doubles Derr has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Jake Hanley, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with three runs and one RBI.

Coconino kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They are a perfect 6-0 when they post 11 or more hits.

Meanwhile, Independence fought the good fight in their extra-innings match against Sierra Linda on Thursday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Bulldogs by a score of 14-13.

Tyler Slivnik and Noel Calderon stepped up to the plate in a big way. Slivnik went 4-for-5 with four RBI, two doubles, and one stolen base, while Calderon got on base in four of his five plate appearances with two stolen bases and three runs. Those doubles marked the first that Slivnik has hit this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Sebastian Sandoval, who went 2-for-5 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run.

Independence has been struggling recently as they've lost seven of their last eight contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-12-1 record this season. As for Coconino, their victory ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 9-15-1.

Coconino took their win against Independence in their previous matchup back in February of 2017 by a conclusive 10-1 score. Do the Panthers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Patriots turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.