The Rio Rico Hawks will challenge the Cholla Chargers at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The two teams have had a bumpy ride up to this point with four consecutive losses apiece.
On Monday, Rio Rico didn't have quite enough to beat Safford and fell 9-8. That's two games in a row now that the Hawks have lost by just one run.
Rio Rico got a good showing from Rudy Garavito, who pitched three innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off five hits. Garavito has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances.
Jesus Rodriguez
| 03/24/26 @ Sahuarita | 3 |
| 02/27/26 vs Hayden | 3 |
| 04/13/26 @ Safford | 2 |
| 04/02/26 vs Mica Mountain | 2 |
| 03/31/26 @ Thatcher | 2 |
| + 13 more games |
On the hitting side, Pedro Montano and Jesus Rodriguez stepped up to the plate in a big way. Montano went 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI, while Rodriguez went 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. Rio Rico is 9-3 when Rodriguez posts two or more runs, but 5-10 otherwise. Humberto Picos was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with one stolen base and one run.
Meanwhile, Cholla suffered their biggest loss since March 20th on Friday. They lost 14-4 to Mesquite.
Ricardo Molina made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 1-for-3 with one home run and two RBI.
Cholla's defeat dropped their record down to 8-5-1. As for Rio Rico, their loss dropped their record down to 14-13.
Tuesday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Rio Rico has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .442. However, it's not like Cholla struggles in that department as they've averaged .463. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Rio Rico couldn't quite get it done against Cholla when the teams last played back in April of 2025 as they fell 8-3. Can the Hawks avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
