The Rincon/University Rangers will head out to take on the Cibola Raiders at 3:45 p.m. on Thursday. Rincon/University has given up an average of 10 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Rincon/University came up short against Safford on Tuesday, falling 12-6. The Rangers have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Jianna Cota
| 03/25/25 @ Safford | 3 |
| 03/19/25 vs Desert View | 1 |
| 03/17/25 @ South Mountain | 1 |
| 03/04/25 @ Douglas | 1 |
| 03/03/25 @ Canyon del Oro | 1 |
Jianna Cota led a balanced group of hitters, going a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and two doubles. Those three runs gave her a new career-high. Sophia Castillo also deserves some recognition as she launched her first home run of the season.
Cota wasn't the only one working in the home run department: Rincon/University lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. That's the most home runs they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, Cibola got themselves on the board against San Luis on Wednesday, but San Luis never followed suit. They put the hurt on the Sidewinders with a sharp 12-0 victory. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Raiders.
Eliana Corea made a splash while hitting and pitching. She pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4.
In other pitching news, Alessandra Martinez looked comfortable as she pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. What's more, she gave up only one walk, the fewest she's had since back in April of 2024.
Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Sophia McCall, who scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in three of her five plate appearances. She has been hot, having posted at least one stolen base the last five times she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Aliana Padilla, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Rincon/University's defeat dropped their record down to 4-8. As for Cibola, their record now sits at 5-10.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Rincon/University hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .344. However, it's not like Cibola struggles in that department as they've averaged .349. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Rincon/University came up short against Cibola in their previous matchup back in April of 2017, falling 6-2. Can Rincon/University avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
