Fort Lupton is 0-7 against Fort Morgan since April of 2015 but things could change on Monday. The Bluedevils will host the Mustangs at 4:00 p.m. Fort Lupton is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.1 runs per game this season.
Having struggled with five defeats in a row, Fort Lupton turned things around against Greeley Central on Wednesday. They came out on top against the Wildcats by a score of 12-7. The high-scoring effort was just what the Bluedevils needed considering they were shut out in their previous match.
Josiah Gonzales
| 04/23/25 @ Alameda | 12 |
| 04/04/25 @ Middle Park | 6 |
| 04/08/25 vs Estes Park | 5 |
| 03/12/25 vs Thornton | 5 |
| 04/14/25 @ Englewood | 4 |
| + 3 more games |
Josiah Gonzales was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over five innings while giving up three earned runs off only two hits. He has become a key player for Fort Lupton: the team is 2-1 when he allows at most three earned runs, but 5-11 otherwise. Gonzales was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
In other batting news, Cade Rhoda was a standout: he went 3-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. Fort Lupton is undefeated when Rhoda posts two or more runs, but 2-12 otherwise. Jesse Ceretto was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with three RBI and one run.
Fort Lupton kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They are 5-1 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Fort Morgan waltzed into their game on Friday with five straight wins... but they left with six. They were the clear victors by a 9-1 margin over the Eagles. Considering the Mustangs have won six contests by more than six runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
JJ Marquez spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned run on six hits. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in four consecutive appearances.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Cooper Chisum, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, two RBI, and one double. Another player making a difference was Samson Ortega, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
Fort Morgan pushed their record up to 11-9 with the victory, which was their fourth straight at home. The home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 4.0 runs on average over those games. As for Fort Lupton, their victory bumped their record up to 7-12.
Monday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Fort Lupton has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .463. However, it's not like Fort Morgan struggles in that department as they've averaged .449. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Fort Lupton might still be hurting after the 20-0 loss they got from Fort Morgan in their previous matchup back in May of 2018. Will the Bluedevils have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
