Hillcrest and Arlington are an even 5-5 against one another since March of 2022, but likely not for long. The Trojans will challenge the Lions at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Hillcrest was handed a heart-breaking two-run defeat in their last contest, but they sure didn't let that happen against Heritage on Tuesday. The Trojans blew past the Patriots 9-3.
Ashley James
| 04/22/25 vs Heritage | 11 |
| 04/17/25 @ Canyon Springs | 10 |
| 04/15/25 vs JW North | 8 |
| 04/10/25 @ Vista del Lago | 12 |
| 04/08/25 vs Arlington | 7 |
Ashley James spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned runs on five hits and racked up 11 Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in five consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Hillcrest let Nicole Riddell and X-Ziary Zambrano run wild. Riddell went 1-for-3 with one home run and three RBI, while Zambrano went a perfect 1-for-1 with one home run and three RBI. Natalia Pulido was another key player, going a perfect 1-for-1 with one home run and two RBI.
They weren't the only ones working in the home run department: Hillcrest lost a few balls and finished the game with three home runs. They are 8-2 when they post two or more home runs.
Meanwhile, after only one run in their last game, Arlington made sure to put some runs up on the board against Canyon Springs on Tuesday. The Lions' pitcher stepped up to hand the Cougars a 13-0 shutout. The Lions haven't had any issues with the Cougars recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.
Lorena Ricasa was incredible, firing off three triples, four runs, and three RBI while going 4-for-4. Those three triples gave her a new career-high. Mia Cortez also deserves some recognition as she hit her first triple of the season.
Hillcrest's record is now 13-10. As for Arlington, their record now sits at 12-5.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Hillcrest has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Arlington struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Hillcrest suffered a grim 12-5 defeat to Arlington in their previous meeting two weeks ago. Can the Trojans avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
