Scottsdale Preparatory Academy hasn't had much luck against Scottsdale Christian Academy recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Spartans will face off against the Eagles at 3:45 p.m. Scottsdale Preparatory Academy will be strutting in after a victory while Scottsdale Christian Academy will be coming in after a defeat.
Scottsdale Preparatory Academy took a ten-run loss the last time they faced off against Camp Verde, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Spartans won by a run and slipped past the Cowboys 6-5. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Spartans have posted since April 4, 2024.
Cade Zawada
| 04/22/25 vs Camp Verde | 7 |
| 04/12/25 @ Phoenix Country Day | 4 |
| 04/08/25 vs Phoenix Christian | 1 |
| 04/04/25 vs Fountain Hills | 1 |
| 04/02/25 vs Scottsdale Christian Academy | 1 |
| 03/22/25 @ Veritas Prep | 9 |
Cade Zawada made a splash while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over 6.2 innings while giving up just one earned (and four unearned) runs off eight hits. That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in March. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-2 with two runs and two RBI. Scottsdale Preparatory Academy is 3-1 when Zawada posts two or more runs, but 5-8 otherwise.
In other batting news, Brendan MacLean was excellent, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two RBI. Troy Barlow was another key player, earning one run and three stolen bases.
Meanwhile, Scottsdale Christian Academy fought the good fight in their extra-innings contest against San Tan Charter on Tuesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Roadrunners by a score of 3-1. The matchup marked the Eagles' lowest-scoring game so far this season.
Scottsdale Christian Academy saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Owen Kendrick, who went 2-for-3 with one double.
Scottsdale Preparatory Academy pushed their record up to 8-9 with the victory, which was their third straight at home. The home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.7 runs on average over those games. As for Scottsdale Christian Academy, their defeat ended a six-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 12-6.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Scottsdale Preparatory Academy has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Scottsdale Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Scottsdale Preparatory Academy couldn't quite get it done against Scottsdale Christian Academy in their previous meeting on April 2nd as they fell 6-2. Can the Spartans avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
