The Apollo Hawks will take on the Cesar Chavez Champions at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Apollo's pitching crew has only allowed 3.5 runs per game this season, so Cesar Chavez's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
On Friday, Apollo didn't have quite enough to beat West Point and fell 6-5.
Rey Garcia was huge no matter where he played even without the win. He pitched six innings while giving up just two earned (and three unearned) runs off four hits. Garcia was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with one run.
In other batting news, Roberto Quinones was cooking despite his team's loss, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with one home run and two runs. That home run was his first of the season. Alex Covarrubias was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases and one RBI.
Cesar Chavez came out on top against Browne on Friday thanks in part to the team's impressive six-run seventh inning. The Champions walked away with a 9-4 victory over the Bruins. The Champions haven't had any issues with the Bruins recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive win against them.
The team relied heavily on Adolfo Pacheco, who went 3-for-4 with one home run and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Carlos Leon, who went 1-for-3 with one run and one double.
Cesar Chavez was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .412. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .320 or higher in seven consecutive matchups.
Cesar Chavez's victory bumped their record up to 14-8. As for Apollo, their loss dropped their record down to 16-7.
Monday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Apollo has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .465. However, it's not like Cesar Chavez struggles in that department as they've averaged .547. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Apollo beat Cesar Chavez 8-3 when the teams last played back in April of 2016. Will the Hawks repeat their success, or do the Champions have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
