Baseball Recap: Payson Wins Going Away Against Apache Junction

Longhorns

Margin (Wins)

02/25/26 vs Highland Prep	35
03/19/26 vs Camp Verde	12
03/31/26 @ Apache Junction	11
02/28/26 @ Phoenix Country Day	11
03/02/26 @ Globe	6

Payson's game on Monday was a loss, but they didn't let that memory haunt them on Tuesday. Everything went their way against the Apache Junction Prospectors as they made off with an 11-0 victory. Considering the Longhorns have won five matchups by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.

Kane Ryden was a major factor no matter where he played. He didn't allow a single earned run while striking out seven over seven innings pitched. Those seven strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Nolan Keeney, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs, two doubles, and one triple. That's the most runs he has posted since back in March of 2025. Xavier Robinson was another key player, going 2-for-4 with three RBI and one run.

Payson was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .545. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.

Payson's win bumped their record up to 8-6. As for Apache Junction, they are on a six-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 2-8.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Payson will host ALA - Ironwood at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. As for Apache Junction, they will be playing at home against Globe at 3:45 p.m. on Thursday. The Prospectors' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Tigers have averaged an impressive 7.1 runs per game this season.