Baseball Recap: Highland Takes a Loss

Highland extended their losing streak to five on Thursday, dropping them down to 16-10. They were two runs away from ending the streak, but they lost a 6-4 heartbreaker at the hands of the Gilbert Tigers. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Tigers this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 9-6 on Tuesday.

Nick Rout made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 1-for-4 with one home run and two RBI. That home run marked the first that he has launched this season. Trace McDonald was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and one run.

As for Gilbert, the win made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 12-15. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory they have posted against Highland since March 28, 2023.

On Gilbert's side, Jacinto Espinoza III looked comfortable as he pitched three innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. Espinoza III has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, Wilfredo Aviles IV was incredible, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, two stolen bases, and three RBI. Gilbert is undefeated when Aviles IV posts one or more home runs, but 9-15 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Cameron Foegal, who went 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.

Highland wasted no time getting back out on the field and has already played their next matchup, a 10-8 defeat against Hamilton on the 24th. Gilbert does not have any more games scheduled as of now.