For the first time this season, Chino Valley will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will head out on the road to square off against the River Valley Dust Devils at 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday. Both teams are coming into the game red-hot, with Chino Valley sitting on five straight victories and River Valley on eight.
On Monday, Chino Valley got the win against Winslow by a conclusive 14-3. Considering the Cougars have won three contests by more than seven runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
Destry Owings
| 03/16/26 vs Winslow | 9 |
| 03/07/26 vs Show Low | 6 |
| 02/27/26 vs Phoenix Christian | 10 |
Destry Owings was a major factor no matter where he played. He didn't allow a single earned run while striking out nine over five innings pitched. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two runs and one RBI.
In other batting news, Chino Valley let Ryan Lamotte and Jacob Boivin run wild. Lamotte went 2-for-3 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs, while Boivin went a perfect 2-for-2 with four stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. That's the most runs Boivin has posted since back in April of 2025. Caden Doak also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen base of the season.
Chino Valley always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .586. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
River Valley came out on top against Somerton on Friday thanks in part to the team's impressive five-run third inning. The Dust Devils blew past the Toros 10-2. The result was nothing new for the Dust Devils, who have now won eight matchups by eight runs or more so far this season.
The team relied heavily on Jeremiah Putt, who went 2-for-4 with three RBI and two doubles. Another player making a difference was Kaige Geyer, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two RBI, one run, and one double.
Chino Valley's record now sits at 7-2. As for River Valley, their record is now 11-3.
Tuesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Chino Valley hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .335. However, it's not like River Valley struggles in that department as they've averaged .333. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Chino Valley might still be hurting after the 16-6 defeat they got from River Valley in their previous matchup back in April of 2025. Can the Cougars avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
