Valley Lutheran extended their losing streak to seven on Tuesday, dropping them down to 2-12. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 6-5 heartbreaker at the hands of the Bagdad Sultans. The result was an unpleasant reminder to the Flames of the 13-0 defeat they experienced in the pair's previous head-to-head fixture back in March of 2025.
Ethan Brown
| 04/28/26 vs Bagdad | 12 |
| 04/23/26 vs Anthem Prep | 6 |
| 04/18/26 vs San Manuel | 6 |
| 04/15/26 vs Palo Verde | 7 |
| 04/06/26 @ Maryvale Prep | 16 |
Ethan Brown was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. On the mound, he struck out 12 batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits. He has been consistent: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in five consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with one run, one double, and one RBI.
In other batting news, David Dadah was cooking despite his team's loss, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with one triple and two RBI. That triple was his first of the season.
As for Bagdad, their win was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 12-10. The road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.0 runs over those games.
Like Valley Lutheran, Bagdad also got a great game from a two-way player: Rowdy Hooper. He didn't allow a single hit and allowed only one earned run while striking out nine over four innings pitched. Hooper is becoming a predictor of Bagdad's success: when he allows at most two earned runs the team is 5-2 (and 7-8 when he doesn't). Hooper was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-5 with one home run, two RBI, and one double.
In other batting news, Zayden Sanders was excellent, going 2-for-5 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run. Bagdad is 6-1 when Sanders posts two or more stolen bases, but 6-9 otherwise.
As of now, neither Valley Lutheran nor the Sultans have any future games scheduled.
