Baseball Game Preview: Highland Hornets vs. Albuquerque Academy Chargers

Highland is 0-6 against Albuquerque Academy since March of 2018 but things could change on Friday. The Highland Hornets will host the Albuquerque Academy Chargers at 3:30 p.m. Highland has given up an average of 11 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.

Highland came up short against Manzano on Wednesday, falling 12-3.

Jose Tapia made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in all three of his plate appearances. Miguel Leyba also deserves some recognition as he hit his first triple of the season.

Meanwhile, Albuquerque Academy fought the good fight in their extra-innings match against Bloomfield on Saturday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Bobcats by a score of 7-6. The Chargers' loss signaled the end of their four-game winning streak.

Andrew Olson was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring two runs and stealing Two bases. while going 2-for-5. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in RBI (three).

Highland's defeat dropped their record down to 2-5-1. As for Albuquerque Academy, their loss dropped their record down to 4-2.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Highland has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Albuquerque Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 9.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.

Highland suffered a grim 12-2 defeat to Albuquerque Academy in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Will Highland have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.