The Maryvale Prep Matador will head out to challenge the Valley Lutheran Flames at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Maryvale Prep is coming into the game on a six-game losing streak.
Things were looking good for Maryvale Prep after they put the first runs on the board on Wednesday, but unfortunately for them things went downhill from there. They lost 14-4 to Tempe Prep.
Maryvale Prep saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Andy Quintero, who scored two runs and stole two bases while going 1-for-2. Darrien Johnson also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Valley Lutheran). They were the clear victors by a 25-0 margin over Maryvale Prep on Friday. With that win, the Flames brought their scoring average up to 8.7 runs per game.
Ethan Brown made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 12 over four innings pitched. With that strong performance, he is now averaging an impressive 6 strikeouts per game. He was also big at the plate, scoring four runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in all five of his plate appearances.
In other batting news, Jordan Sall was a standout: he scored four runs and stole four bases while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. Sebastian Alvarez Juzaino was another key player, scoring four runs and stealing three bases while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances.
Valley Lutheran always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .775. They are 2-1 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Maryvale Prep's defeat dropped their record down to 1-9. As for Valley Lutheran, their record now sits at 2-4.
Friday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Maryvale Prep has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .432. However, it's not like Valley Lutheran struggles in that department as they've averaged .505. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Maryvale Prep might still be hurting after the 25-0 loss they got from Valley Lutheran when the teams last played on Friday. Can the Matador avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
