Softball Game Preview: Nogales Apaches vs. Sunnyside Blue Devils

Nogales is 0-10 against Sunnyside since March of 2018 but things could change on Thursday. The Apaches will host the Blue Devils at 4:00 p.m. The two teams are sauntering into the matchup backed by comfortable wins in their prior games.

Nogales will roll into the matchup after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any runs on Saturday, then bounced right back against Rio Rico on Monday. The Apaches blew past the Hawks 21-8. The win continues a trend for the Apaches in their matchups with the Hawks: they've now won three in a row.

Ximena Barnett was a standout: she went 3-for-4 with three runs, two doubles, and one triple. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March of 2025. Another player making a difference was Violeta Mendez, who went 3-for-4 with three stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI.

Nogales was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .529. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Rio Rico only posted a batting average of .300.

Meanwhile, Sunnyside got themselves on the board against Gilbert on Monday, but Gilbert never followed suit. They were the clear victors by an 11-0 margin over the Tigers. The high-scoring effort was just what the Blue Devils needed considering they were shut out in their previous game.

Nogales now has a winning record of 2-1. As for Sunnyside, their victory (their first of the season) made their record 1-2.

Nogales suffered a grim 17-0 defeat to Sunnyside in their previous meeting back in March of 2025. Will the Apaches have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.