The Copper Canyon Aztecs will take on the Fairfax Stampede at 3:45 p.m. on Friday. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as Copper Canyon comes in on four and Fairfax on three.
Copper Canyon's pitching crew heads into the contest hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Wednesday. They blew past Washington 10-0. Considering the Aztecs have won seven games by more than seven runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Gabriel Ruelas made a big impact no matter where he played. On the mound, he tossed 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Ruelas was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 3-for-4.
In other batting news, Jesus Vega was incredible, going 2-for-3 with three RBI, one triple, and one run. Anthony Acosta Livas was another key player, scoring a run while going 1-for-2.
Copper Canyon was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .385. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .385 or higher in four consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Fairfax). They were the clear victors by a 22-8 margin over North on Wednesday.
Like Copper Canyon, Fairfax also got a great game from a two-way player: Daniel Alaniz. He tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Alaniz also tossed no walks, which is notable because Fairfax is 3-1 when he allows at most one walk, but 5-7 otherwise. Alaniz was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with four RBI and one double.
In other batting news, Alexander Tovar was a standout: he scored three runs and stole a base while getting on base in all five of his plate appearances. That's the most runs he has posted since back in February. Another player making a difference was Isaiah Balderas, who scored two runs while going 3-for-5.
Copper Canyon's victory bumped their record up to 9-4-1. As for Fairfax, the win got them back to even at 8-8.
Friday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Copper Canyon has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .524. However, it's not like Fairfax struggles in that department as they've averaged .512. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Copper Canyon took their victory against Fairfax in their previous meeting back in March of 2017 by a conclusive 10-0 score. Do the Aztecs have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Stampede turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
