Monticello is 0-10 against San Juan since March of 2021 but things could change on Friday. The Buckaroo will host the Broncos at 3:30 p.m. Monticello has given up an average of 7.5 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Monticello is headed into Friday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game on Tuesday. They lost 17-7 to Grand County.
Meanwhile, San Juan came tearing into Thursday's contest with six straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 7.8 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They were the clear victors by a 13-3 margin over the Wolverines. Considering the Broncos have won 13 matchups by more than six runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Jake Ivins made a splash no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out eight batters over six innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off two hits. Those eight strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with one triple, one stolen base, and one run. That triple was his first of the season.
In other batting news, Branten Bethea was a standout: he went a perfect 4-for-4 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one double. He has been hot recently, having posted three or more hits the last three times he's played. Another player making a difference was Cooper Palmer, who went 2-for-3 with one home run and three RBI.
San Juan always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .641. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .500 or higher in seven consecutive games.
San Juan's victory was their fifth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 19-4. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.6 runs over those games. As for Monticello, their loss dropped their record down to 7-7.
Monticello might still be hurting after the 10-0 defeat they got from San Juan in their previous matchup back in March. Will the Buckaroo have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
