Bagdad is a perfect 8-0 against Antelope since April of 2021 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Saturday. The Sultans will welcome the Rams at 11:00 a.m. The timing is sure in Bagdad's favor as the squad sits on eight straight wins at home while Antelope has been banged up by four consecutive losses on the road.
Bagdad came out on top against Anthem Prep on Friday thanks in part to the team's impressive ten-run first inning. The Sultans were the clear victors by a 15-6 margin over the Eagles. Considering the Sultans have won 16 matches by more than five runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Michael Langston
| 04/25/25 @ Anthem Prep | 1 |
| 04/22/25 @ Williams | 1 |
| 04/18/25 vs Joseph City | 0 |
Michael Langston was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit over five innings pitched. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one hit in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 1-for-2 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Carson Wood was incredible, firing off two home runs, five RBI, and three runs while going 3-for-3. That's the most runs he has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Rowdy Hooper, who went 4-for-5 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double.
Bagdad kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Anthem Prep only managed five hits.
Meanwhile, Antelope came into Thursday's game having lost five straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They came out on top against Maryvale Prep on Thursday by a score of 11-1 (the very same score they lost by in their prior game). The contest marked the Rams' most dominant victory of the season.
The team relied heavily on Sebastian Solis, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with four stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. He is becoming a predictor of Antelope's success: when he posts at least two stolen bases the team is undefeated (and 5-9 when he doesn't). Sebastian Marquez was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBI.
Bagdad's win bumped their record up to 20-4. As for Antelope, their victory bumped their record up to 8-9.
Both the two teams just can't seem to miss. Bagdad has been making plenty of contact this season, having averaged 9.8 hits per game. However, it's not like Antelope struggles in that department as they've been averaging only 4.4 hits. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Bagdad's way against Antelope when the teams last played back in March, as Bagdad made off with a 17-0 win. Do the Sultans have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Rams turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
