Southwest hasn't had much luck against Columbus recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Eagles will face off against the Explorers at 2:00 p.m. Southwest is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.2 runs per game this season.
On Monday, Southwest came up short against Palmetto and fell 8-5.
Southwest got a good showing from Euclides Alvarez, who struck out six batters over 3.2 innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off two hits (and only one walk). Alvarez has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one walk any time he's pitched this season.
Orisjoe Valdes
| 03/02/26 @ Palmetto | 2 |
| 02/20/26 vs iMater Charter | 2 |
| 02/12/26 vs South Miami | 2 |
| 02/27/26 vs Southridge | 1 |
| 02/19/26 @ Hialeah Gardens | 1 |
| + 2 more games |
On the hitting side, Orisjoe Valdes made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and got on base in all four of his plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base. Southwest is 2-1 when Valdes posts two or more runs, but 2-3 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Anthony Reyes, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI.
Meanwhile, Columbus posted their closest win since April 30, 2025 on Wednesday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Flanagan, sneaking past 4-2. The victory continues a trend for the Explorers in their matchups with the Falcons: they've now won four in a row.
Juan Jacome was excellent, going 1-for-2 with one run, one double, and one RBI. That double marked the first that he has hit this season. Robbie Oyarzun was another key player, going 2-for-4 with one stolen base and one RBI.
Southwest suffered their first road defeat, dropping their record down to 4-4. As for Columbus, their win bumped their record up to 8-1.
Thursday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Southwest has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .452. However, it's not like Columbus struggles in that department as they've averaged .459. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Southwest suffered a grim 9-0 defeat to Columbus when the teams last played back in April of 2025. Can the Eagles avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
