Progreso is 0-10 against Rio Hondo since April of 2023 but things could change on Tuesday. The Red Ants will square off against the Bobcats at 5:00 p.m. Progreso has given up an average of 13.9 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Lyford hit Progreso with a 14-run fourth inning on Friday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Red Ants came up short against the Bulldogs, falling 20-3.
Meanwhile, Rio Hondo had to endure a four-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. Their pitcher stepped up to hand Santa Rosa an 11-0 shutout on Friday. The result was nothing new for the Bobcats, who have now won eight games by six runs or more so far this season.
Christopher Galvan made a splash while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 12 over six innings pitched. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Rio Hondo is 3-1 when he allows at most one earned run, but 7-11 otherwise. Galvan was also big at the plate, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two RBI, one run, and one double.
In other batting news, Roy Zepeda was a standout: he went a perfect 1-for-1 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. That's the most runs he has posted since back in February. Another player making a difference was Marcus Flores, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
Rio Hondo always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .690. They are a perfect 9-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Rio Hondo's record is now 10-12. As for Progreso, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-9.
Tuesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Progreso has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .434. However, it's not like Rio Hondo struggles in that department as they've averaged .481. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Progreso suffered a grim 9-3 defeat to Rio Hondo when the teams last played two weeks ago. Can the Red Ants avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
