Raymondville hasn't had much luck against Zapata recently, but that could start to change on Friday. Raymondville will head out to square off against Zapata at 7:30 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Last Tuesday, Raymondville got the win against Progreso by a conclusive 14-1.
Larry Perez
| 03/25/25 @ Progreso | 3 |
| 03/21/25 vs Santa Rosa | 2 |
| 03/11/25 @ St. Joseph Academy | 2 |
| 03/08/25 @ Banquete | 1 |
| 03/06/25 @ King | 1 |
Larry Perez was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out 15 over six innings pitched. What's more, he gave up only one walk, the fewest he's had since back in February of 2024. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-4 with three RBI. Those three RBI gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, Noel Reta was incredible, scoring two runs and stealing four bases while going 3-for-4. Raymondville is undefeated when Reta posts two or more runs, but 5-7 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Diego Villegas, who scored three runs and stole two bases while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances.
Raymondville hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Progreso struck out 14 times.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Zapata). Everything went their way against King on Tuesday as Zapata made off with a 13-4 victory.
Like Raymondville, Zapata also got a great game from a two-way player: Lauro Guerra. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 15 batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off five hits (and not a single walk). Guerra has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 1-for-4 with one home run, one stolen base, and two RBI. That home run marked the first that he launched this season.
In other batting news, Zapata got a massive performance out of Mario Garcia, who scored two runs while going 3-for-4. Garcia also put up two doubles, which were his first of the season. J.D. Salinas was another key player, going 1-for-4 with four RBI and one run.
Raymondville's record is now 11-7. As for Zapata, their record now sits at 9-6.
Friday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Raymondville has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .480. However, it's not like Zapata struggles in that department as they've averaged .431. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Raymondville might still be hurting after the 13-3 defeat they got from Zapata in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can Raymondville avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
