The Pecos Panthers will be taking part in a tournament against the Sandia Prep Sundevils at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday. Pecos has given up an average of 9.6 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Pecos is probably headed into the game with a chip on their shoulder considering Clayton just ended the team's three-game winning streak on Tuesday. They came up short against the Yellowjackets, falling 20-5.
Joaquin Lopez
| 03/28/26 vs Mora | 4 |
| 03/26/26 @ McCurdy | 4 |
| 03/17/26 vs Penasco | 3 |
| 03/31/26 @ Clayton | 2 |
| 03/28/26 vs Mora | 2 |
| + 2 more games |
Joaquin Lopez and Nikko Bencomo did some serious damage despite the final result: Lopez got on base in all three of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI, while Bencomo went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run. Lopez has become a key player for Pecos: the team is 4-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 1-4 otherwise. Pedro Terrazas also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen base of the season.
Meanwhile, Sandia Prep hadn't done well against New Mexico Military Institute recently (they were 2-7 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Tuesday. The Sundevils came out on top in a nail-biter against the Colts, sneaking past 8-7. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Sundevils have posted against the Colts since April 15, 2023.
Jonas Mahboub was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run over five innings pitched. What's more, he posted five strikeouts, the most he's had since back in May of 2025. He was also big at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one double and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Logan Lemons, who went 2-for-4 with three stolen bases and three runs. He has been hot recently, having posted three or more stolen bases the last three times he's played. Gage Thompson was another key player, going 1-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one RBI.
Sandia Prep has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won six of their last seven contests. That's provided a massive bump to their 6-4 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.3 runs over those games. As for Pecos, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-5.
Thursday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Pecos has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .484. However, it's not like Sandia Prep struggles in that department as they've averaged .455. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Pecos suffered a grim 10-0 defeat to Sandia Prep when the teams last played back in April of 2025. Can the Panthers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
