Heritage Academy hasn't had much luck against Arizona Lutheran Academy recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Heroes will look to defend their home field against the Coyotes at 3:45 p.m. Heritage Academy is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.4 runs per game this season.
Heritage Academy barely beat Mohave Accelerated the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Heroes were the clear victors by an 18-3 margin over the Patriots on Saturday. Winning may never get old, but the Heroes sure are getting used to it with their third in a row.
Isaias Ruiz made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over 4.1 innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs.
Paul (PJ) Soltero
| 04/26/25 @ Mohave Accelerated | 3 |
| 03/23/24 vs Mohave Accelerated | 2 |
| 02/21/24 vs Gilbert Classical Academy | 2 |
| 04/26/25 @ Mohave Accelerated | 1 |
| 04/24/25 vs ALA - Anthem South | 1 |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Paul (PJ) Soltero, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with one home run, three runs, and three RBI. Those three RBI gave him a new career-high. Jared Wittman was another key player, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with three runs, one double, and one RBI.
Heritage Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .579. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Friday just wasn't the day for Arizona Lutheran Academy's offense. They lost 10-0 to Tonopah Valley on Friday. Having soared to a lofty 11 runs in the game before, the Coyotes' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.
Arizona Lutheran Academy has also traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four matches. That's put a noticeable dent in their 10-12 record this season. As for Heritage Academy, their victory bumped their record up to 7-9-1.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Heritage Academy has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.4 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Arizona Lutheran Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 5.1 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Heritage Academy suffered a grim 11-0 defeat to Arizona Lutheran Academy in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Can the Heroes avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
