The Crowley County Chargers are taking a road trip to challenge the Las Animas Trojans at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Crowley County came out on top against Rocky Ford on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive seven-run fifth inning. The Chargers were the clear victors by a 13-3 margin over the Meloneers. The victory continues a trend for the Chargers in their matchups with the Meloneers: they've now won seven in a row.
Landon Smith made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over six innings while giving up three earned runs off eight hits (and only one walk). He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than one walk in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases and two runs. He has become a key player for Crowley County: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two stolen bases, but 5-6 otherwise.
Derreck Buford
| 04/22/25 @ Rocky Ford | 2 |
| 04/12/25 vs Hoehne | 2 |
| 04/12/25 vs Hoehne | 2 |
| 04/08/25 vs Ellicott | 2 |
| 04/02/25 vs Florence | 2 |
| + 4 more games |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Derreck Buford, who went 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. He is becoming a predictor of Crowley County's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 6-1 (and 2-5 when he doesn't). Another player making a difference was Anthoni Walter, who went 1-for-4 with two runs and one stolen base.
Meanwhile, Las Animas entered their tilt with Florence on Tuesday with six consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with seven. They never let the Huskies get on the board and left with a 20-0 win. That looming 20-0 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Trojans yet this season.
Like Crowley County, Las Animas also got a great game from a two-way player: Damien Baca. On the mound, he struck out eight batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). Baca was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with three RBI and one double.
In other batting news, Jesus Lopez was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with three stolen bases, five RBI, and two runs. Those five RBI gave him a new career-high. Logan Servaes was another key player, going 1-for-2 with three runs, three RBI, and one stolen base.
Las Animas hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Florence struck out eight times.
Crowley County pushed their record up to 8-6 with the victory, which was their third straight on the road. Those road wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.3 runs on average over those games. As for Las Animas, their record is now 12-1.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Saturday as neither team is afraid to steal. Crowley County has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.9 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Las Animas struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.1 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
