The Glendale Prep Academy Griffins will face off against the Wickenburg Wranglers at 3:45 p.m. on Monday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Glendale Prep Academy's pitching crew heads into the match hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Thursday. Everything went their way against Mohave Accelerated as they made off with a 21-0 win. The Griffins' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Eli Marsh was a major factor no matter where he played. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit over four innings pitched. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Josiah Simms, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, three RBI, and one double. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Corbin Kim, who went 2-for-3 with three runs, one double, and one RBI.
Glendale Prep Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .735. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Wickenburg made easy work of Mohave Accelerated on Friday and carried off an 8-0 victory.
Like Glendale Prep Academy, Wickenburg also got a great game from a two-way player: Jaxson Hone. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit over four innings pitched. Hone also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Wickenburg is 3-1 when he allows at most one earned run, but 6-8 otherwise. Hone was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with one run and one double.
In other batting news, Jaxon Newman was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, three RBI, and one run. He has become a key player for Wickenburg: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two stolen bases, but 6-9 otherwise. Cruz Reyes was another key player, going 1-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
Wickenburg pushed their record up to 9-9 with the win, which was their third straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.7 runs over those games. As for Glendale Prep Academy, their win bumped their record up to 13-2.
Monday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Glendale Prep Academy has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .522. However, it's not like Wickenburg struggles in that department as they've averaged .506. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Glendale Prep Academy's way against Wickenburg when the teams last played back in March, as Glendale Prep Academy made off with a 16-5 victory. Will the Griffins repeat their success, or do the Wranglers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
