The Sequoia Charter Stallions will challenge the Paradise Valley Christian Prep Panthers at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Sequoia Charter is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They blew past Ajo 13-2. The win was nothing new for the Stallions as they're now sitting on seven straight.
Naomi Sams
| 05/02/25 vs Ajo | 7 |
| 04/24/25 vs Tohono O'Odham | 6 |
| 04/16/25 @ Thunderbird Adventist Academy | 14 |
| 04/08/25 vs Berean Academy | 9 |
| 04/01/25 @ Gila Bend | 9 |
| + 2 more games |
Naomi Sams was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over five innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs and two RBI.
Meanwhile, Paradise Valley Christian Prep entered their tilt with Gila Bend on Friday with two consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with three. They put the hurt on the Gila Monsters with a sharp 13-6 victory.
Like Sequoia Charter, Paradise Valley Christian Prep also got a great game from a two-way player: Noemi Piraino. On the mound, Piraino tossed six innings while giving up just two earned (and four unearned) runs off nine hits. Meanwhile, Catarina Beams pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. At bat, Piraino got on base in all five of her plate appearances with four stolen bases, three runs, and one triple, while Beams got on base in four of her five plate appearances with four stolen bases and three runs. Those four stolen bases gave Beams a new career-high.
In other batting news, Bria Vidinghoff and Evie Williams did most of the damage at the plate: Vidinghoff got on base in two of her five plate appearances with four RBI, two runs, and one stolen base, while Williams got on base in four of her five plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. Those two stolen bases gave Williams a new career-high.
Paradise Valley Christian Prep always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .564. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .564 or higher in three consecutive matches.
Paradise Valley Christian Prep's win bumped their record up to 12-1. As for Sequoia Charter, their victory bumped their record up to 8-4.
Wednesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Sequoia Charter has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .548. However, it's not like Paradise Valley Christian Prep struggles in that department as they've averaged .611. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Sequoia Charter might still be hurting after the 14-4 defeat they got from Paradise Valley Christian Prep in their previous matchup back in March. Can the Stallions avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
