The Duncan Wildkats will head out to face off against the Baboquivari Warriors at 2:00 p.m. on Friday. Duncan is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.1 runs per game this season.
Duncan came out on top against Patagonia on Wednesday thanks in part to the team's impressive 11-run fifth inning. The Wildkats put the hurt on the Lobos with a sharp 16-6 win. The victory continues a trend for the Wildkats in their matchups with the Lobos: they've now won nine in a row.
Pablo Ruiz
| 04/23/25 vs Patagonia | 2 |
| 04/18/25 @ San Carlos | 1 |
| 04/16/25 vs Fort Thomas | 1 |
| 04/04/25 @ Miami | 1 |
Pablo Ruiz was a major factor no matter where he played. He tossed 1.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Ruiz was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in two of his four plate appearances with two runs. Those two runs gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, Ethan Hernandez was incredible, going 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs. He has become a key player for Duncan: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 4-5 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Dayton Penry, who went 1-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Duncan was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .391. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .364 or higher in three consecutive matches.
Meanwhile, Baboquivari posted their closest win since April 22, 2024 on Tuesday. They had just enough and edged out Fort Thomas 3-1.
Siwdag Garcia spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned run on four hits and racked up 14 Ks.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Jesse Buendia, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with three stolen bases and one double. The team also got some help courtesy of Kolukeo Velasco, who went 2-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
Duncan's record is now 10-5. As for Baboquivari, their record now sits at 5-9.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Duncan has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Baboquivari struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Duncan came out on top in a nail-biter against Baboquivari in their previous meeting back in March, sneaking past 11-9. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Wildkats since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
