The Rio Grande Ravens will square off against the Albuquerque Academy Chargers at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Rio Grande has given up an average of 13 runs per game this season, but Saturday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Rio Grande lost 16-5 to West Mesa on Tuesday. The Ravens have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Mercedes Valenzuela was cooking despite her team's loss, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs and two RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Mya Peralta, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one run.
Meanwhile, after only two runs in their last contest, Albuquerque Academy made sure to put some runs up on the board against Valley on Friday. The Chargers blew past the Vikings 27-11. The result was nothing new for the Chargers, who have now won six matchups by seven runs or more so far this season.
Lillyann La Fata was a standout: she got on base in all five of her plate appearances with four runs, three RBI, and one stolen base. Those three RBI gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Bella Swanson, who went 2-for-4 with four runs, three RBI, and one double.
Albuquerque Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .717. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Albuquerque Academy now has a winning record of 10-9. As for Rio Grande, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-11.
Saturday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Rio Grande hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .488. However, it's not like Albuquerque Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .355. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Rio Grande might still be hurting after the 21-10 loss they got from Albuquerque Academy in their previous matchup back in March of 2020. Can the Ravens avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
