The Mesa Jackrabbits will be taking part in a tournament against the ALA - Queen Creek Patriots at 10:00 a.m. on Monday. Mesa has given up an average of 8.8 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.
Things were looking good for Mesa after they put the first points on the board on Thursday, but unfortunately for them things went downhill from there. They took a 12-8 hit to the loss column at the hands of Valley Vista. The defeat continues a trend for the Jackrabbits in their meetings with the Monsoon: they've now lost three in a row.
Gerardo Sanchez was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring two runs while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. That's the most runs he has posted since back in April of 2024. Lane Goodman also deserves some recognition as he hit his first triple of the season.
Meanwhile, ALA - Queen Creek is still undefeated this season after their matchup against Mica Mountain on Thursday, but Mica Mountain came as close as anyone has to beating them. ALA - Queen Creek came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 6-5 W against Mica Mountain. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Patriots have posted since February 22, 2024.
Juan Pablo Altamirano made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out six batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off six hits. Altamirano was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Brasser Crumpton, who went 1-for-2 with one home run and two RBI. Seth Nielson was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 1-for-3.
ALA - Queen Creek's win was their fifth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 5-0. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.2 runs on average over those games. As for Mesa, their loss dropped their record down to 1-5.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Mesa has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like ALA - Queen Creek struggles in that department as they've been averaging 10.4 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
