The Killian Cougars will square off against the Columbus Explorers at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. Killian is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.4 runs per game this season.
Killian took a loss when they played away from home on Wednesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Thursday. They came out on top against Westminster Christian by a score of 8-3.
Ryan Llambes
| 04/02/26 vs Westminster Christian | 6 |
| 03/21/26 vs South Miami | 5 |
| 03/18/26 @ Goleman | 1 |
| 03/11/26 vs Cardinal Gibbons | 4 |
| 03/06/26 vs American Heritage | 5 |
| + 2 more games |
Ryan Llambes tossed a big game, striking out six batters over five innings while giving up just two earned runs off five hits. That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in February. Phoenix Medina picked up the save, tossing two innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit.
At the plate, David Builes was excellent, going 3-for-4 with one stolen base and two RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Antonio Lesizza, who went 1-for-2 with two runs and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Columbus waltzed into their matchup on Thursday with five straight wins... but they left with six. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 5-4 W against TERRA Environmental. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Explorers have posted since February 20th.
Columbus also got a great performance from Julian Cazanas as he tossed 6.1 innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off four hits.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Maximus Alvarez, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI, one run, and one double. Rafael Diaz was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases and one run.
Columbus' win bumped their record up to 18-3. As for Killian, their victory bumped their record up to 11-9.
Saturday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Killian has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .448. However, it's not like Columbus struggles in that department as they've averaged .468. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Killian suffered a grim 8-1 defeat to Columbus in their previous meeting back in February of 2025. Will the Cougars have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
