The Killian Cougars will challenge the Columbus Explorers at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Killian is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.1 runs per game this season.
On Wednesday, Killian beat Cardinal Gibbons 7-3.
Ryan Llambes
| 03/11/26 vs Cardinal Gibbons | 2 |
| 03/06/26 vs American Heritage | 2 |
| 03/04/26 vs Brito | 1 |
| 02/28/26 @ Gateway | 1 |
| 02/25/26 vs Varela | 2 |
| 02/20/26 @ Chaminade-Madonna | 2 |
Killian got a great performance from Ryan Llambes as he pitched 6.2 innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off seven hits. Llambes has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Daniel Huerta and Johnny Chen See did most of the damage at the plate: Huerta went 2-for-3 with two runs and one stolen base, while Chen See got on base in all four of his plate appearances with one double. Those two hits gave Huerta a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Phoenix Medina, who got on base in two of his four plate appearances with two RBI.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Columbus, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Tuesday. They put the hurt on Palmetto with a sharp 11-1 victory on Thursday. Considering the Explorers have won five matchups by more than six runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Dayan Viciedo looked comfortable as he didn't allow a single earned run over four innings pitched.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Maximus Alvarez, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, five RBI, and three runs. He also put up a double, which was his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Ivan Perez, who went 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBI.
Columbus always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .556. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Palmetto only posted an OBP of .350.
Columbus' win was their sixth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 10-2. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.7 runs on average over those games. As for Killian, the win got them back to even at 6-6.
Friday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Killian has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .447. However, it's not like Columbus struggles in that department as they've averaged .458. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Killian might still be hurting after the 8-1 loss they got from Columbus in their previous meeting back in February of 2025. Will the Cougars have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
