Mesa Ridge is 1-9 against Pueblo South since April of 2015 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Monday. The Grizzlies will be playing at home against the Colts at 3:30 p.m. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Mesa Ridge proved they can win big on Saturday (they won by 15) and on Tuesday they proved they can win the close ones too. They had just enough and edged out Palmer Ridge 3-1. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Grizzlies have posted since March 28, 2024.
Gabriel Montijo made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he pitched six innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits. Mesa Ridge is 3-1 when Montijo allows two or fewer earned runs, but 0-6 otherwise. Montijo was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-3. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in May of 2024.
Zander Iwanski
| 04/01/25 @ Palmer Ridge | 3 |
| 05/09/24 vs Widefield | 2 |
| 04/09/24 @ Palmer | 2 |
| 03/29/25 vs Thornton | 1 |
| 03/28/25 vs Widefield | 1 |
In other batting news, Brandon Bittner and Zander Iwanski did most of the damage at the plate: Bittner scored a run and stole two bases while going 1-for-3, while Iwanski went a perfect 3-for-3 with one RBI. Those three hits gave Iwanski a new career-high.
Meanwhile, Pueblo South came out on top against Canon City on Wednesday by a score of 7-3 (the very same score they lost by in their prior game). The victory continues a trend for the Colts in their matchups with the Tigers: they've now won three in a row.
MJ Molina spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered three earned runs on eight hits.
At the plate, Caeden Herrera was incredible, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-3.
Mesa Ridge's win ended a five-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 3-7. As for Pueblo South, their victory bumped their record up to 10-3.
Monday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Mesa Ridge has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .455. However, it's not like Pueblo South struggles in that department as they've averaged .455. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Mesa Ridge skirted past Pueblo South 4-2 when the teams last played back in March of 2024. Do the Grizzlies have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Colts turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
