Softball Game Preview: Desert Heights Prep Yote vs. Bagdad Sultans

Desert Heights Prep hasn't had much luck against Bagdad recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Yote will venture away from home to square off against the Sultans at 5:00 p.m. Desert Heights Prep is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.2 runs per game this season.

Desert Heights Prep came into their game on Monday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They came up short against Ray, falling 18-0. The match marked the first time this season in which the Yote were not able to get on the board.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Bagdad). They put the hurt on Wickenburg with a sharp 23-17 win on Tuesday. The Sultans haven't had any issues with the Wranglers recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.

Bagdad got a massive performance out of Dezirae Landers, who went 4-for-6 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI. Those four hits gave Landers a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Bria Moseley, who went 3-for-5 with three doubles, four RBI, and two runs.

Landers wasn't the only one working in the hit department: Bagdad kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 24 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.

Desert Heights Prep's defeat dropped their record down to 2-7. As for Bagdad, their win bumped their record up to 9-3.

Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Desert Heights Prep has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .480. However, it's not like Bagdad struggles in that department as they've averaged .619. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Desert Heights Prep suffered a grim 19-1 defeat to Bagdad in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Can the Yote avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.