Ironwood is 2-8 against Centennial since April of 2019 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Monday. The Eagles will challenge the Coyotes at 3:45 p.m.
Ironwood is headed into Monday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game on Friday. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 6-5 heartbreaker at the hands of Fairfax.
Sebastian Rodriguez was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off four hits. Rodriguez was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-4 with one stolen base and two RBI.
In other batting news, Lane Stilwell made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored two runs and stole three bases while going 2-for-4. Alex Misner was another key player, scoring a run and stealing a base while getting on base in all three of his plate appearances.
Meanwhile, Centennial entered their tilt with Sunrise Mountain on Thursday with five consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with six. They never let the Mustangs get on the board and left with a 3-0 victory.
Not much got past JT Price, who gave up just five hits and racked up nine Ks to keep Sunrise Mountain off the board. Price has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Centennial's win was truly a team effort as two different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was David Daniels, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base and one double.
Centennial's victory bumped their record up to 10-7. As for Ironwood, their loss dropped their record down to 3-10.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Ironwood has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Centennial struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.1 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Ironwood might still be hurting after the 12-1 defeat they got from Centennial in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Eagles avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
