Denver West is 0-3 against Manual since March of 2022 but things could change on Saturday. The Cowboys will host the Thunderbolts at 10:00 a.m. Denver West has given up an average of 20.6 runs per game this season, but Saturday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Denver West is headed into Saturday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their 28th straight game dating back to last season on Wednesday. They came up short against Bruce Randolph, falling 18-3.
Denver West saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Arturo Espino, who went 1-for-3 with three RBI.
Meanwhile, Manual entered their tilt with DSST: Montview on Wednesday with two consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with three. They were the clear victors by a 19-8 margin over the Knights. Considering the Thunderbolts have won four contests by more than five runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Edgar Salas was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two hits in four consecutive appearances. He was even better at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all five of his plate appearances. He also got three hits, which is notable because Manual is undefeated when he posts at least three hits, but 2-3 otherwise.
In other batting news, Manual got a massive performance out of Jake Carney, who went 2-for-4 with five RBI, two runs, and one triple. Those five RBI gave Carney a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Andrew Hernandez, who scored four runs and stole two bases while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances.
Manual always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .658. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Manual's victory bumped their record up to 5-3. As for Denver West, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-8.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Saturday as neither team is afraid to steal. Denver West has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.2 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Manual struggles in that department as they've been averaging 5.5 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Denver West suffered a grim 16-3 defeat to Manual in their previous meeting back in March of 2024. Will the Cowboys 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.
