The Tularosa Wildcats will take on the Hot Springs Tigers at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Tularosa has given up an average of 7.8 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
The home team had won the previous four meetings between Tularosa and New Mexico Military Institute, and New Mexico Military Institute kept the tradition alive. The Wildcats took an 11-8 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Colts on Monday. The defeat continues a trend for the Wildcats in their meetings with the Colts: they've now lost nine in a row.
Tularosa saw six different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Cameron Holguin, who went 1-for-4 with one run and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Hot Springs came into Saturday's contest having lost five straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 16-14 victory over Hatch Valley on Saturday.
James Oros Fuentes was a standout: he got on base in four of his five plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and one double. What's more, he posted two hits, the most he's had since back in March. Ashton Garcia was another key player, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with three stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI.
Hot Springs always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .568. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their OBP total in three consecutive matches.
Tularosa's loss dropped their record down to 13-7. As for Hot Springs, their win bumped their record up to 6-13-1.
Wednesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Tularosa has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .443. However, it's not like Hot Springs struggles in that department as they've averaged .463. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Tularosa's way against Hot Springs when the teams last played back in March of 2024, as Tularosa made off with a 15-4 victory. Do the Wildcats have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Tigers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
