Mullen hasn't had much luck against Cherokee Trail recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Mustangs will take on the Cougars at 4:15 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Mullen took a 13-run loss the last time they faced off against Vista PEAK Prep, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Mustangs won by a run and slipped past the Bison 10-9. The victory was some much needed relief for the Mustangs as it spelled an end to their five-game losing streak.
Mazie Jackson was a standout: she went 3-for-4 with two runs and one RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in August. Kory Abbott was another key player, going 3-for-4 with one stolen base and two RBI.
Mullen hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least five batters in five consecutive games.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Cherokee Trail). Their pitchers stepped up to hand Denver South a 16-0 shutout on Friday. The result was nothing new for the Cougars, who have now won ten contests by seven runs or more so far this season.
Leera Davis made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with three RBI and one run.
In other batting news, Cherokee Trail got a massive performance out of Abby Anderson, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with four RBI, one run, and one double. Another player making a difference was Isabelle Becker, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one triple, and one RBI.
The win got Mullen back to even at 9-9. As for Cherokee Trail, their record now sits at 12-3.
Tuesday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Mullen has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .444. However, it's not like Cherokee Trail struggles in that department as they've averaged .471. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Mullen might still be hurting after the 25-2 defeat they got from Cherokee Trail in their previous meeting back in September of 2024. Can the Mustangs avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
