Ysleta is 8-2 against Bel Air since April of 2019 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Indians will square off against the Highlanders at 6:30 p.m. Ysleta knows how to get runs on the board -- the team has finished with ten runs or more in their past eight contests -- so hopefully Bel Air likes a good challenge.
On Wednesday, Ysleta made easy work of Irvin and carried off a 15-1 victory. The Indians haven't had any issues with the Rockets recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive win against them.
Adry Botello looked comfortable as he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit over four innings pitched. He is becoming a predictor of Ysleta's success: when he allows at most two hits the team is 2-1 (and 9-12 when he doesn't).
Evan Martinez
| 04/09/25 @ Irvin | 3 |
| 03/02/24 vs Tornillo | 2 |
| 03/25/25 vs Bowie | 1 |
| 03/21/25 @ Irvin | 1 |
| 02/25/25 vs Horizon | 1 |
At the plate, Evan Martinez was incredible, scoring three runs and stealing three bases while going 1-for-3. Those three stolen bases gave him a new career-high. Ismael Morales also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen base of the season.
Ysleta kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Irvin only managed four hits.
Meanwhile, Bel Air came up short against Americas on Friday, falling 15-4. The defeat continues a trend for the Highlanders in their meetings with the Trail Blazers: they've now lost three in a row.
Julian Ponce was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring three runs while going 3-for-3.
Ysleta's victory was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 11-13. The road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 16.3 runs over those games. As for Bel Air, their loss dropped their record down to 8-13-1.
Friday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Ysleta has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .445. However, it's not like Bel Air struggles in that department as they've averaged .442. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Ysleta took their victory against Bel Air when the teams last played back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 16-4 score. Will the Indians repeat their success, or do the Highlanders have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
