Manual is 0-3 against Lincoln since April of 2023 but things could change on Friday. The Thunderbolts will host the Lancers at 4:15 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Lincoln will face off against a team with plenty of momentum: Manual extended their winning streak to four on Tuesday. The Thunderbolts blew past Bruce Randolph 14-4. While the Thunderbolts didn't have the best season last year (they finished 1-21), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Edgar Salas
| 04/08/25 vs Bruce Randolph | 6 |
| 03/11/25 @ Wheat Ridge | 5 |
| 03/21/24 @ Adams City | 5 |
| 04/02/25 vs DSST: Montview | 4 |
| 03/18/25 vs Bishop Machebeuf | 4 |
Edgar Salas was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He struck out six batters over 3.1 innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits (and only one walk). Those six strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing four bases while going 2-for-2. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last four games he's played.
In other batting news, Jesus Marquez was incredible, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 1-for-2. Manual is undefeated when Marquez posts two or more stolen bases, but 2-3 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Jake Carney, who scored three runs and stole a base while getting on base in two of his four plate appearances.
The home team had won the previous five meetings between Lincoln and Denver West, and Lincoln kept the tradition alive. The Lancers were the clear victors by a 19-3 margin over the Cowboys on Tuesday. The Lancers haven't had any issues with the Cowboys recently, as the game was their eighth consecutive victory against them.
Like Manual, Lincoln also got a great game from a two-way player: Jose Bustos. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over three innings while giving up three earned runs off only two hits. Bustos was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in two of his six plate appearances.
In other batting news, Josue Pena and Sam Trujillo did most of the damage at the plate: Pena scored three runs and stole five bases while getting on base in three of his six plate appearances, while Trujillo scored two runs and stole four bases while going 2-for-2. With that strong performance, Pena is now averaging an impressive 1.4 stolen bases per game. Byron Leyva was another key player, scoring two runs while getting on base in three of his six plate appearances.
Lincoln hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Denver West struck out 11 times.
Lincoln's win was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 6-2. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.0 runs on average over those games. As for Manual, their win bumped their record up to 6-3.
Friday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Manual has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .479. However, it's not like Lincoln struggles in that department as they've averaged .486. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Manual might still be hurting after the 11-0 loss they got from Lincoln in their previous meeting back in March. Can the Thunderbolts avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
