The Bagdad Sultans will face off against the Mogollon Mustangs at 12:00 p.m. on Friday. Bagdad has given up an average of 7.2 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Bagdad is probably headed into the contest with a chip on their shoulder considering Great Hearts Anthem just ended the team's four-game winning streak on Tuesday. They lost 15-3 to the Eagles.
Rowdy Hooper was cooking despite his team's loss, going 1-for-2 with one home run and two runs. Gauge Drybread was another key player, getting on base in all three of his plate appearances with one stolen base.
Meanwhile, Mogollon won against Blue Ridge on Saturday with 13 runs and they decided to stick to that run total again on Monday. The Mustangs were the clear victors by a 13-6 margin over Joseph City. The victory continues a trend for the Mustangs in their matchups with the Wildcats: they've now won five in a row.
Rocky Porter was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits while striking out seven over six innings pitched. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in two of his four plate appearances with one stolen base and one run.
In other batting news, Stetson Owens was a standout: he went a perfect 2-for-2 with three RBI, two doubles, and one run. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in March of 2025. Another player making a difference was Alejandro Pimentel, who went 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Mogollon was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .400. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Joseph City only posted a batting average of .250.
Bagdad's loss was their first in the region, dropping their region record down to 2-1 and their overall record down to 5-3. As for Mogollon, their win bumped their record up to 6-1.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Bagdad has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 8 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Mogollon struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Bagdad got the 'W' in their previous matchup back in March of 2025 against Mogollon by a conclusive 20-9 score. Will the Sultans repeat their success, or do the Mustangs have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
