Deer Valley and Flagstaff are an even 3-3 against one another since April of 2016, but likely not for long. Deer Valley will welcome Flagstaff at 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday. Deer Valley is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7 runs per game this season.
Deer Valley's pitching crew heads into the match hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Tuesday. They were the clear victors by a 23-0 margin over Westview. The win continues a trend for the Skyhawks in their matchups with the Knights: they've now won three in a row.
Nate Gentz
| 02/28/25 vs Highland | 5 |
| 03/18/25 vs Elizabeth | 2 |
| 03/14/25 vs Goldwater | 1 |
Nate Gentz made a splash no matter where he played. On the mound, he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Deer Valley is 3-1 when he allows at most two earned runs, but 3-6-1 otherwise. Gentz was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, Max Weaver was a standout: he scored four runs while getting on base in all five of his plate appearances. That's the most runs he has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Maqelo Douglas, who went 2-for-3 with four RBI, two runs, and two doubles.
Deer Valley kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in eight consecutive games.
Meanwhile, after soaring to 15 runs the game before, Flagstaff was a bit more limited in their contest on Friday. They fell just short of Estrella Foothills by a score of 3-1. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest loss the Eagles have suffered since February 26th.
Flagstaff's defeat dropped their record down to 7-5. As for Deer Valley, their victory bumped their record up to 6-7-1.
Wednesday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Deer Valley hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .340. However, it's not like Flagstaff struggles in that department as they've averaged .348. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Deer Valley's way against Flagstaff in their previous matchup back in March of 2022, as Deer Valley made off with an 11-3 win. Does Deer Valley have another victory up their sleeve, or will Flagstaff turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
