The Gilbert Classical Academy Spartans will head out to challenge the Pima Roughriders at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Gilbert Classical Academy has given up an average of 9.7 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Gilbert Classical Academy lost 14-3 to Wickenburg on Monday. The Spartans have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Beckett Elliott was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing two innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. That's the fewest hits he has allowed since back in April of 2024. He was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 2-for-3.
Elliott wasn't the only one making solid contact as three players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Max Fioresi, who scored a run while going 1-for-3. Fioresi also hit a double, marking his first of the season.
Meanwhile, Pima posted their closest victory since February 28th on Monday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with an 8-7 win over Morenci. The victory was some much needed relief for the Roughriders as it spelled an end to their four-game losing streak.
Like Gilbert Classical Academy, Pima also got a great game from a two-way player: Preston Russell. He tossed 5.1 innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off seven hits. Russell has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base.
In other batting news, Cedrick Grimes was excellent, scoring a run and stealing two bases while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. He is becoming a predictor of Pima's success: when he posts at least two stolen bases the team is 2-1 (and 2-6-1 when he doesn't). Another player making a difference was Aiden Alder, who scored a run and stole two bases while going 1-for-3.
Pima always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .529. The last time their OBP was this high was back in April of 2024.
Pima's record now sits at 4-7-1. As for Gilbert Classical Academy, their defeat dropped their record down to an identical 4-7-1.
Pima's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Gilbert Classical Academy has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .438. It's a different story for Pima, though, as they've only averaged .337. Will they be able to contain Gilbert Classical Academy's hitters? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.
