Desert Ridge had to endure a four-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. They won by a run and slipped past the Gilbert Tigers 3-2. That result was just more of the same for these two, as Desert Ridge also won the last time the pair played back in April of 2023.
Cierra Smith spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on ten hits and racked up eight Ks.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Karina Olson, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-3.
On Gilbert's side, Brinli Fletcher was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing six innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off seven hits. Fletcher has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive pitching appearances. Fletcher was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with an RBI.
In other batting news, Arianna Leon made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Desert Ridge's win ended a three-game drought at home and bumped them up to 7-17. As for Gilbert, they have traveled a rocky road recently having lost nine of their last 11 contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 8-11 record this season.
The teams didn't have to wait long for a rematch: Desert Ridge beat Gilbert by a score of 9-6.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
