Apache Junction extended their losing streak to five on Tuesday, dropping them down to 1-7. They came up short against the Payson Longhorns, falling 21-0. If the Prospectors were looking for revenge after losing 22-0 to the Longhorns when the teams met back in April of 2025, then they'll just have to keep looking.
As for Payson, they are on a roll lately: they've won six of their last eight contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 9-6 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.9 runs on average over those games.
For Payson's part, Kinikki Smith made a splash while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run while striking out seven over four innings pitched. Smith has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. Those three runs gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Logann Prock, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, four runs, and two stolen bases. That's the most runs she has posted since back in February. Another player making a difference was Danica Peters, who went 3-for-4 with one home run and six RBI.
Coming up, Apache Junction will host Globe at 3:45 p.m. on Thursday. The Prospectors' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Tigers have averaged an impressive 6.5 runs per game this season. As for Payson, they are taking a road trip to challenge Show Low at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
