Pace hasn't had much luck against Mercedes recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Vikings will be playing in front of their home fans against the Tigers at 7:00 p.m. Pace is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.2 runs per game this season.
On Tuesday, Pace earned a 6-3 win over Rivera. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Vikings.
Luna Juarez spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and two unearned) runs on six hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in four consecutive appearances.
Sofia Alejandro
| 04/15/25 vs Rivera | 3 |
| 04/11/25 @ Donna North | 2 |
| 04/08/25 vs Porter | 1 |
| 04/04/25 @ Donna | 1 |
| 04/01/25 vs Lopez | 1 |
| + 9 more games |
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Sofia Alejandro, who scored a run and stole a base while going 3-for-4. That's the most hits she has posted since back in February. Victoria Vasquez was another key player, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 3-for-4.
Alejandro wasn't the only one making solid contact: Pace kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. The Vikings are 4-1 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, it may have taken nine innings to finish the job, but Mercedes ultimately got the result they hoped for on Tuesday. They had just enough and edged out Lopez 6-5. The victory was nothing new for the Tigers as they're now sitting on six straight.
Mercedes also let their pitcher toss all nine innings and she was also dialed-in: Abigail Trevi?o gave up five earned runs on 11 hits and racked up seven Ks.
At the plate, Ashley De Leon was excellent, going 2-for-5 with one home run and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Rhianna Sierra, who scored a run while going 3-for-5.
Mercedes' win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 16-6. The home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.3 runs on average over those games. As for Pace, the win got them back to even at 11-11.
Thursday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Pace has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .447. However, it's not like Mercedes struggles in that department as they've averaged .459. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Pace suffered a grim 12-2 defeat to Mercedes when the teams last played back in March. Will the Vikings have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
