The Apache Junction Prospectors will challenge the Florence Gophers at 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday. Apache Junction is coming into the match on a three-game losing streak.
Friday just wasn't the day for Apache Junction's offense. They lost 11-0 to Seton Catholic on Friday. The game marked the first time this season in which the Prospectors were not able to get on the board.
Apache Junction saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Dylan Hunsaker, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base and one double.
Meanwhile, Florence was able to grind out a solid victory over Combs on Thursday, taking the game 8-3. With that win, the Gophers brought their scoring average up to 6.2 runs per game.
Kris Aguirre made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he pitched 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-2 with two RBI and one double. Those two RBI gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Tanner Gammons, who went 1-for-3 with three RBI, one triple, and one run. Another player making a difference was Logan Stenson, who went 1-for-2 with two runs, one triple, and one RBI.
Florence hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Combs struck out ten times.
Apache Junction's defeat dropped their record down to 9-8. As for Florence, their victory bumped their record up to 11-6.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Apache Junction has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.1 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Florence struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.3 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Apache Junction came out on top in a nail-biter against Florence in their previous matchup back in March, sneaking past 4-3. Will the Prospectors repeat their success, or do the Gophers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
