Copper Canyon hasn't had much luck against Apollo recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Aztecs will head out on the road to challenge the Hawks at 3:45 p.m. Both teams are coming into the game red-hot, with Copper Canyon sitting on ten straight victories and Apollo on seven.
On Wednesday, Copper Canyon made easy work of Washington and carried off a 13-2 win. Considering the Aztecs have won ten matchups by more than five runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Gabriel Ruelas was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out six batters over five innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits. Ruelas was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base.
Luis Prado Nevarez
| 04/08/26 vs Washington | 5 |
| 04/06/26 @ Washington | 4 |
| 04/02/26 @ Sierra Linda | 3 |
| 02/25/26 vs Tonopah Valley | 2 |
| 02/28/26 vs ALA - West Foothills | 1 |
In other batting news, Copper Canyon got a massive performance out of Luis Prado Nevarez, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with five stolen bases and four runs. Those five stolen bases gave Prado Nevarez a new career-high. Anthony Acosta Livas was another key player, going 1-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and one stolen base.
Copper Canyon was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .429. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .375 or higher in ten consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, Apollo was able to grind out a solid victory over Tolleson on Thursday, taking the game 10-6.
Elias Munoz looked comfortable as he struck out six batters over four innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off six hits (and not a single walk). He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one walk in three consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Isaiah Holguin and Roberto Quinonez did most of the damage at the plate: Holguin went 3-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and one double, while Quinonez went 2-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and one double. The team also got some help courtesy of Abraham Valencia, who went 2-for-4 with three RBI and one double.
Copper Canyon's record is now 12-2. As for Apollo, their record now sits at 15-5.
Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Copper Canyon has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .567. However, it's not like Apollo struggles in that department as they've averaged .454. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Copper Canyon suffered a grim 10-0 defeat to Apollo when the teams last played back in March of 2025. Can the Aztecs avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
