The Mendez Jaguars will take on the Bravo Knights in a tournament on Monday. Mendez has given up an average of 10.8 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
On Wednesday, Mendez and Contreras finished up on equal footing with a 13-13 draw.
Bravo never got on the board in their matchup on March 9th, but that sure wasn't the case in their game against King/Drew last Wednesday. They never let the Golden Eagles get on the board and left with an 18-0 victory. That 18-run margin sets a new team best for the Knights this season.
Jovanni Martinez and Cristian Torres made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Martinez struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). Meanwhile, Torres tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Martinez has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one earned run any time he's pitched this season. At the plate, Martinez got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs, one triple, and two RBI, while Torres got on base in four of his five plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Those two runs gave Martinez a new career-high.
In other batting news, Anthony Chavez was a standout: he got on base in all three of his plate appearances with three stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs. Those two runs gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Michael Rendon, who went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs.
Bravo always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .682. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Bravo's record now sits at 3-1-1. With that draw, Mendez's record moves to 3-4-1.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Mendez has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 8.9 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Bravo struggles in that department as they've been averaging 4.2 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Mendez suffered a grim 15-4 defeat to Bravo in their previous matchup back in April of 2023. Can the Jaguars avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
