The Vista Grande Spartans will head out to challenge the Mesquite Wildcats at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Vista Grande barely beat Maricopa the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Spartans blew past the Rams 10-4 on Tuesday. The win was some much needed relief for the Spartans as it spelled an end to their eight-game losing streak.
Eltorna Gant III
| 04/15/25 vs Maricopa | 4 |
| 03/28/25 @ North Canyon | 2 |
| 03/27/25 @ Casa Grande | 2 |
| 03/24/25 @ Marana | 2 |
| 03/14/25 @ Flowing Wells | 2 |
| + 4 more games |
Eltorna Gant III made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit while striking out seven over 4.1 innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in April of 2024. He was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring four runs while going 4-for-5. He is becoming a predictor of Vista Grande's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 4-10-1 when he doesn't).
In other batting news, Nicholas Valdez was incredible, scoring a run while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances. Ruben Baca was another key player, going 3-for-5 with two RBI and one double.
Vista Grande always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .550. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Mesquite, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Friday. They walked away with a 7-3 victory over Arcadia on Tuesday.
Cooper Joslin spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned (and two unearned) runs on six hits. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Mesquite let Jensen Jones and Jacob Hogan run wild. Jones scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-4, while Hogan scored a run while getting on base in all three of his plate appearances. The team also got some help courtesy of Kash Rogers, who scored a run and stole two bases.
The win got Vista Grande back to even at 10-10-1. As for Mesquite, they are on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four games. That's provided a nice bump to their 15-7 record this season.
Vista Grande skirted past Mesquite 3-1 in their previous meeting back in February of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Spartans since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
