The Hozho Academy Wolves are taking a road trip to square off against the Shiprock Chieftains at 3:00 p.m. on Monday. Hozho Academy has given up an average of 8 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Hozho Academy's tournament run continued when they took on Santa Teresa on Saturday. Hozho Academy came up short against Santa Teresa, falling 17-3.
Hozho Academy saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Adrian Ternes, who scored a run while going 2-for-2.
Meanwhile, Shiprock made easy work of Tularosa on Saturday and carried off an 11-5 win. The result was nothing new for the Chieftains, who have now won four matches by six runs or more so far this season.
Taylor Hale made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and four unearned) runs off six hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with two runs, one triple, and one RBI. Shiprock is undefeated when Hale posts two or more runs, but 2-4 otherwise.
In other batting news, Jeramyh Begay was a standout: he scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in all five of his plate appearances. He has become a key player for Shiprock: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 2-4 otherwise. Khalil Nakai was another key player, scoring three runs while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances.
Shiprock kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Tularosa only managed four hits.
Shiprock has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 5-4 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.2 runs over those games. Hozho Academy's loss dropped their record down to 2-2.
Monday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Hozho Academy has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .545. However, it's not like Shiprock struggles in that department as they've averaged .519. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.
