The Denver North Vikings will head out to challenge the Vista PEAK Prep Bison at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Denver North will be looking to extend their current nine-game winning streak.
Denver North had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 12-run drubbing they dealt Rangeview on Thursday. The Vikings put the hurt on the Raiders with a sharp 17-5 victory. Considering the Vikings have won ten contests by more than six runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Xavia Escobedo made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching four innings while giving up just one earned (and four unearned) runs off four hits. Escobedo was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with three runs, one triple, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Denver North got a massive performance out of Jordyn Villarreal, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two triples, three runs, and one stolen base. That's the most triples Villarreal has posted since back in September of 2024. Another player making a difference was Veronica Loera-Tafoya, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI.
Denver North kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 20 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in 19 consecutive matchups dating back to last season.
Meanwhile, Vista PEAK Prep scored first but ultimately less than Mullen in their game on Saturday. They fell just short of the Mustangs by a score of 10-9.
Like Denver North, Vista PEAK Prep also got a great game from a two-way player: Bella Renzi. She didn't allow a single earned run over six innings pitched. What's more, Renzi gave up only five hits, the fewest she's had since back in August. She was even better at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three runs, one triple, and two RBI. That triple marked the first that she has hit this season.
In other batting news, Vista PEAK Prep got a big performance out of Kaydence Maes, who went 2-for-4 with two RBI, one run, and one double. That double was Maes' first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Jaya Gray, who went 2-for-4 with two doubles and one run.
Vista PEAK Prep dropped their record down to 4-9 with the loss, which was their third straight on the road. As for Denver North, their record is now 13-2.
Monday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Denver North has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .535. However, it's not like Vista PEAK Prep struggles in that department as they've averaged .445. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Denver North took their win against Vista PEAK Prep when the teams last played two weeks ago by a conclusive 13-1 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Vikings since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
