Preview: Phoenix Christian Cougars vs. Horizon Honors Eagles
The Phoenix Christian Cougars will head out on the road to challenge the Horizon Honors Eagles at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Each of these teams will be battling to keep a six-game winning streak alive.
Phoenix Christian was not the first on the board last Tuesday, but they got there more often. They came out on top against Phoenix Country Day by a score of 5-1. That's two games straight that Phoenix Christian has won by exactly four runs.
Oliver Sierra made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing 3.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Sierra has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive pitching appearances. Sierra was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two RBI.
In other batting news, Phoenix Christian let Mason Inman and Xavier Gutierrez loose on the outfield. Inman scored two runs while going 2-for-4, while Gutierrez scored a run while going 1-for-3.
Meanwhile, Horizon Honors beat St. Augustine Catholic 7-4 on Monday.
Like Phoenix Christian, Horizon Honors also got a great game from a two-way player: Antonio Arellano. Throwing, Arellano pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (he also only allowed one walk). Meanwhile, Austin Ragsdale pitched five innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off four hits. At the plate, Arellano scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances, while Ragsdale scored a run while going 2-for-3.
In other batting news, Zach Hull was a standout: he scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-3. Richard Fretwell was another key contributor, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 1-for-3.
Phoenix Christian's record now sits at 10-1. As for Horizon Honors, they pushed their record up to 9-3 with that victory, which was their third straight on the road.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both teams have some strikeout artists on the roster. Phoenix Christian has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Horizon Honors struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.9 strikeouts per game. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Phoenix Christian came out on top in a nail-biter against Horizon Honors in their previous matchup back in March of 2023, sneaking past 3-2. The rematch might be a little tougher for Phoenix Christian since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
