The Desert Mirage RAMS will face off against the Borrego Springs Rams at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Desert Mirage took a loss when they played away from home last Thursday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Tuesday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand Public Safety Academy a 7-0 shutout.
Public Safety Academy's batters probably weren't too happy with Alejandro Carmona, who pitched a no hitter and racked up 13 Ks (he gave up three walks). Carmona also allowed no hits, which is notable because Desert Mirage is 5-2 when he allows at most one hit, but 2-8 otherwise.
Brian Benavides
| 04/15/25 vs Public Safety Academy | 3 |
| 03/10/25 @ Desert Hot Springs | 2 |
| 02/21/25 vs San Jacinto Leadership Academy | 2 |
| 04/07/25 vs Cathedral City | 1 |
| 03/24/25 vs Desert Hot Springs | 1 |
| + 1 more games |
At the plate, Brian Benavides was incredible, getting on base in all three of his plate appearances with three stolen bases, one run, and one double. He has become a key player for Desert Mirage: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two stolen bases, but 4-10 otherwise. Edilverto Biarco was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and one run.
Meanwhile, Borrego Springs waltzed into their game on Thursday with four straight wins... but they left with five. They had just enough and edged out the Scots 7-5. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since April 11, 2024, but that streak is no more.
Chris Alcaraz and Joey Rocha made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Alcaraz pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Meanwhile, Rocha pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Alcaraz has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in six consecutive appearances. At bat, Alcaraz went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, one double, and one RBI, while Rocha went 2-for-4 with three stolen bases, three RBI, and one run.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on AB Arambula, who went 2-for-4 with three stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in April of 2024.
Borrego Springs' victory was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 8-2. The road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.5 runs over those games. As for Desert Mirage, their victory bumped their record up to 7-10.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Desert Mirage has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.3 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Borrego Springs struggles in that department as they've been averaging 9.9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Desert Mirage was able to grind out a solid win over Borrego Springs in their previous matchup back in March, winning 4-1. Do the RAMS have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Rams turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
