The Aurora Central Trojans will square off against the Englewood Pirates at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The two teams are sauntering into the matchup backed by comfortable wins in their prior games.
Aurora Central took a loss when they played away from home on Saturday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Monday. They were the clear victors by a 15-5 margin over Overland.
Kalai Bentosino was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out ten batters over six innings while giving up just two earned (and three unearned) runs off seven hits (and only one walk). He is becoming a predictor of Aurora Central's success: when he posts at least eight strikeouts the team is 2-1 (and 5-9 when he doesn't). Bentosino was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Eloy Sifuentes
| 04/07/25 vs Thornton | 4 |
| 05/05/25 vs Overland | 3 |
| 03/06/25 vs Jefferson | 3 |
| 04/22/25 @ Thornton | 2 |
| 05/03/25 @ Skyview | 1 |
| + 1 more games |
In other batting news, Aurora Central got a massive performance out of Eloy Sifuentes, who went 2-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Sifuentes has become a key player for the Trojans: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 3-10 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Jorge De Los Santos, who went 3-for-5 with two runs, two RBI, and one double.
Aurora Central kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. They are 5-1 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Englewood). They put the hurt on Denver West with a sharp 25-7 victory on Thursday. With that win, the Pirates brought their scoring average up to 7.1 runs per game.
Like Aurora Central, Englewood also got a great game from a two-way player: Grant Pebbles. He tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Pebbles has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances. He was even better at the plate, going 3-for-4 with four runs, one triple, and one stolen base. That's the most runs he has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, Jason Medrano was a standout: he got on base in four of his five plate appearances with four RBI, two runs, and one double. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in hits (two). Rj Cullyford was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI.
Englewood now has a winning record of 8-7. As for Aurora Central, their victory bumped their record up to 7-10.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Aurora Central has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.4 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Englewood struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Aurora Central couldn't quite get it done against Englewood in their previous meeting back in April of 2024 as they fell 10-6. Can the Trojans avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
