The Gilbert Tigers will venture away from home to challenge the Higley Knights at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Gilbert is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.6 runs per game this season.
Gilbert hadn't beaten Chandler on the road since March 31, 2015 but that history sure didn't bother them on Tuesday. The Tigers put the hurt on the Wolves with a sharp 11-3 victory. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest win the Tigers have posted against the Wolves since March 31, 2015.
Tyler Gordanier was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing seven innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off eight hits. She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with one RBI.
In other batting news, Hayley Joiner was a standout: she went 3-for-5 with one home run, four RBI, and one double. Another player making a difference was Lexie Kyger, who went 3-for-5 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base.
Gilbert kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 19 hits. That's the most hits they've posted since back in March of 2024.
Meanwhile, Higley got their first taste of in-conference action on Monday and they started things off strong. They won by a run and slipped past Gilbert 7-6. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Knights have posted since March 28th.
Skylar Jones spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and five unearned) runs on seven hits and racked up seven Ks.
At the plate, Higley's win was truly a team effort as seven different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Maruko Harada, who scored two runs while going 2-for-4. That's the most runs Harada has posted since back in March. Samantha Parisi was another, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases.
Higley's victory ended an eight-game drought on the road and puts them at 8-18-1. As for Gilbert, their win bumped their record up to 9-12.
Higley's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Gilbert has been making plenty of contact this season, having averaged 9.8 hits per game. It's a different story for Higley, though, as they've been averaging 10 hits. Given Gilbert's sizable advantage in that area, the Knights will need to find a way to close that gap. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
