Joseph City is 0-4 against Bagdad since April of 2021 but things could change on Friday. The Wildcats will face off against the Sultans at 4:00 p.m. Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
On Tuesday, Joseph City got the win against Red Mesa by a conclusive 13-3. The win continues a trend for the Wildcats in their matchups with the Redskins: they've now won five in a row.
Kyan Larsen
| 04/15/25 vs Red Mesa | 4 |
| 04/01/24 vs Williams | 2 |
| 03/25/25 vs Mogollon | 1 |
| 03/20/25 @ Window Rock | 1 |
| 03/07/25 vs Greyhills Academy | 1 |
Kase Fish and Kyan Larsen made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Fish pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Larsen pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off four hits. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in strikeouts (four). At bat, Fish went 1-for-2 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI, while Larsen got on base in both of his plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base. Fish is becoming a predictor of Joseph City's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 2-1 (and 4-8 when he doesn't).
In other batting news, Jeffrey Howerton was incredible, going 2-for-3 with one home run and four RBI. That's the most hits he has posted since back in March. Tytan Penrod was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two doubles, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Joseph City always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .606. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Bagdad posted their closest victory since April 1st on Wednesday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Desert Heights Prep, sneaking past 5-3. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Sultans.
Joseph City pushed their record up to 6-9 with the win, which was their third straight at home. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.0 runs over those games. As for Bagdad, their record is now 17-4.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Joseph City has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.3 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Bagdad struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 6.3 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Joseph City might still be hurting after the 22-1 loss they got from Bagdad in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Wildcats avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
