Baseball Game Preview: Melrose Buffaloes vs. Tucumcari Rattlers

Melrose hasn't had much luck against Tucumcari recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Buffaloes will be playing in front of their home fans against the Rattlers at 3:00 p.m. Melrose knows how to get runs on the board -- the team has finished with ten runs or more in their past five games -- so hopefully Tucumcari likes a good challenge.

Melrose lost 18-11 to Eunice on Monday.

Jaxon Odom was cooking despite his team's loss, firing off two home runs and three RBI while going 2-for-4. Those home runs were his first of the season. Josh Roybal was another key player, scoring a run while going 2-for-3.

Meanwhile, Tucumcari waltzed into their contest on Tuesday with two straight wins... but they left with three. They were the clear victors by a 27-6 margin over the Bears. The matchup marked the Rattlers' most dominant victory of the season so far.

Matt Gomez was incredible, getting on base in all five of his plate appearances with one home run, four runs, and four RBI. He is becoming a predictor of Tucumcari's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 2-1 (and 1-2 when he doesn't). Another player making a difference was Jadon Navarro, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one home run, four runs, and two RBI.

Tucumcari kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. That's the most hits they've posted since back in March of 2024.

The win got Tucumcari back to even at 3-3. As for Melrose, they now have a losing record of 3-4.

Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Melrose has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .524. However, it's not like Tucumcari struggles in that department as they've averaged .494. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Melrose might still be hurting after the 17-3 loss they got from Tucumcari in their previous meeting back in March of 2019. Can the Buffaloes avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.