For the first time this season, Tanque Verde will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will be playing at home against the Thatcher Eagles at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Tanque Verde is coming into the match hot, having won their last six games.
Tanque Verde will bounce into Thursday's contest after beating Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, who they had gone 1-8 against in their nine prior meetings. The Hawks came out on top in a nail-biter against the Lions on Thursday, sneaking past 3-1. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Hawks have posted against the Lions since April 18, 2019.
Rocco Haggard spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered a run (which was unearned) on two hits and racked up ten Ks.
On the hitting side, Landon Walker was incredible, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-3.
Meanwhile, Tuesday just wasn't the day for Thatcher's offense. They lost 10-0 to Valley Christian on Tuesday. Having soared to a lofty 21 runs in the game before, the Eagles' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.
Tanque Verde pushed their record up to 12-4-1 with the win, which was their fourth straight on the road. The road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.5 runs over those games. As for Thatcher, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-9.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Tanque Verde has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .520. However, it's not like Thatcher struggles in that department as they've averaged .451. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Tanque Verde came up short against Thatcher when the teams last played back in March of 2024, falling 6-1. Can the Hawks avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
