Highlands is 0-4 against South San Antonio since February of 2015 but things could change on Friday. The Owls will host the Bobcats at 7:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Highlands took a loss when they played away from home on Tuesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Thursday. They were the clear victors by a 16-5 margin over Brackenridge.
Ciera Garcia was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching three innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, earning one RBI and two runs.
In other batting news, Analia Aparicio was incredible, going 2-for-4 with three runs, one triple, and one double. That's the most runs she has posted since back in February. Another player making a difference was Jenesis Rodriguez, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
Highlands always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .583. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Brackenridge only posted an OBP of .385.
Meanwhile, South San Antonio came tearing into Saturday's matchup with 12 straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 8.8 runs), and they left with even more momentum. Everything went their way against the Indians as they made off with a 13-1 win. The high-flying hitting performance was a huge turnaround for the Bobcats considering their two-run performance the game before.
Catalina Bonilla looked comfortable as she pitched 3.1 innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Raena Ramirez, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs, four RBI, and one triple. The team also got some help courtesy of Abigail Suarez, who went 3-for-4 with two doubles, one stolen base, and one run.
South San Antonio's victory was their eighth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 19-6. Those road wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.5 runs on average over those games. As for Highlands, their victory bumped their record up to 11-7.
Friday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Highlands has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .564. However, it's not like South San Antonio struggles in that department as they've averaged .460. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
