The Diamond Ranch Panthers are taking a road trip to challenge the Don Lugo Conquistadores at 3:30 p.m. on Monday. Diamond Ranch is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.9 runs per game this season.
Diamond Ranch is headed into the game having just suffered their biggest loss since April 8, 2024 on Friday. They came up short against Chino, falling 18-8. The Panthers have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Diamond Ranch got a big performance out of Elena Rodriguez, who scored two runs while going 1-for-3. Rodriguez also hit a double, marking her first of the season. Khloe Malcolm was another key player, scoring a run while going 3-for-3.
Meanwhile, Don Lugo entered their tilt with Ontario on Friday with two consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with three. They were the clear victors by a 19-6 margin over the Jaguars. The Conquistadores might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven matchups by six runs or more this season.
Hayden Pitsenberger and Jade Curiel were a major factor no matter where they played. Throwing, Pitsenberger tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Curiel struck out 12 batters over five innings while giving up six earned runs off four hits. Those 12 strikeouts gave her a new career-high. At the plate, Pitsenberger got on base in four of her five plate appearances with one home run, four runs, and two RBI, while Curiel went 3-for-5 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. Curiel is on a roll when it comes to RBI, as she's now brought in three or more in each of the last three games she's played.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Aubrey Liester, who went 3-for-5 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in February. Another player making a difference was Ariel Delgado, who scored two runs while getting on base in both of her plate appearances.
Don Lugo kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in four consecutive contests.
Don Lugo's victory was their 11th straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 10-3-1. Those road wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.3 runs on average over those games. As for Diamond Ranch, their defeat dropped their record down to 8-8.
Monday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Diamond Ranch hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .373. However, it's not like Don Lugo struggles in that department as they've averaged .338. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Diamond Ranch couldn't quite get it done against Don Lugo in their previous meeting back in March as they fell 8-4. Can the Panthers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
