The Verrado Vipers will square off against the Willow Canyon Wildcats at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Willow Canyon will be up against a hot Verrado squad: the team just extended their winning streak to six. Everything went the Vipers' way against Paradise Valley on Thursday as they made off with a 19-4 victory. That's two games straight that the Vipers have won by exactly 15 runs.
Verrado got a massive performance out of Bailee Smalls, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. That's the most RBI Smalls has posted since back in March. Blayke Shenefelt was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two doubles, two RBI, and one run.
Verrado was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .710. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Willow Canyon got the win against Centennial on Thursday by a conclusive 12-2. The win continues a trend for the Wildcats in their matchups with the Coyotes: they've now won nine in a row.
Easton Spriggs made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run while striking out six over six innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-5 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Mataya Olson, who went 3-for-5 with three runs, one triple, and one stolen base.
Willow Canyon's victory bumped their record up to 17-8-1. As for Verrado, their win bumped their record up to 24-4.
Friday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Verrado hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .428. However, it's not like Willow Canyon struggles in that department as they've averaged .366. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Verrado might still be hurting after the 12-2 loss they got from Willow Canyon in their previous meeting back in March of 2022. Will the Vipers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
