The Verrado Vipers will challenge the Sunrise Mountain Mustangs at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Each of these teams will be battling to keep a four-game winning streak alive.
Verrado had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 12-run drubbing they dealt North Canyon on Monday. The Vipers were the clear victors by a 13-1 margin over the Rattlers. The result was nothing new for the Vipers, who have now won nine games by six runs or more so far this season.
Braxton Bjur
| 04/28/25 vs North Canyon | 8 |
| 04/22/25 @ Paradise Valley | 12 |
| 04/15/25 vs Canyon View | 5 |
| 04/07/25 @ Buckeye | 16 |
| 03/31/25 vs Tolleson | 6 |
| + 4 more games |
Braxton Bjur made a big impact no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out eight batters over four innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits (and only one walk). He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in nine consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one run and one RBI.
In other batting news, Verrado let Eli Bebleh and Aaron Gutierrez run wild. Bebleh went a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, two doubles, and one stolen base, while Gutierrez went 2-for-3 with three RBI, one triple, and one stolen base. That's the most runs Bebleh has posted since back in April. Colton Zacher was another key player, going 2-for-3 with three RBI, one run, and one double.
Verrado was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .481. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as North Canyon only posted a batting average of .222.
Meanwhile, with a playoff win on the line, Sunrise Mountain rose to the challenge on Wednesday. They walked away with a 5-1 win over the Cougars.
Ethan Dinnell looked comfortable as he tossed four innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits.
On the hitting side, Chase Heid was incredible, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with one triple, two RBI, and one run.
Sunrise Mountain's victory was their fifth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 19-10. The home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.4 runs on average over those games. As for Verrado, their victory bumped their record up to 18-7-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Saturday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Verrado has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Sunrise Mountain struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 6.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Verrado came out on top in a nail-biter against Sunrise Mountain in their previous matchup back in March, sneaking past 4-3. Will the Vipers repeat their success, or do the Mustangs have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
