The Tonopah Valley Phoenix are taking a road trip to square off against the Glendale Prep Academy Griffins at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Tonopah Valley has given up an average of 10.9 runs per game this season, but Saturday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Tonopah Valley came up short against Phoenix Christian on Friday, falling 15-5. The Phoenix have struggled against the Cougars recently, as the game was their third consecutive lost meeting.
Ellie Procunier was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Shiloh Walker, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Meanwhile, Glendale Prep Academy made easy work of Wickenburg two weeks ago and carried off a 9-3 victory. Considering the Griffins have won three contests by more than five runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Raegan Rockey was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out nine over seven innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with one home run and three RBI. Those RBI marked the first that she brought in this season.
In other batting news, Karin DeStefano and Ally Moore did most of the damage at the plate: DeStefano scored three runs and stole four bases while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances, while Moore scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3. Those four stolen bases gave DeStefano a new career-high. Natalie Whipple was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-2.
Glendale Prep Academy's record is now 3-1. As for Tonopah Valley, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-5.
Saturday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Tonopah Valley has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .525. However, it's not like Glendale Prep Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .541. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Tonopah Valley might still be hurting after the 15-4 loss they got from Glendale Prep Academy when the teams last played back in April of 2022. Can Tonopah Valley avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
