Bel Air is 2-8 against Ysleta since April of 2019 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Friday. The Highlanders will be playing in front of their home fans against the Indians at 6:30 p.m. Bel Air has given up an average of 7.1 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Bel Air came up short against Americas on Friday, falling 15-4. That's two games in a row now that the Highlanders have lost by exactly 11 runs.
Julian Ponce was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring three runs while going 3-for-3.
Meanwhile, Ysleta entered their tilt with Irvin on Wednesday with seven consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with eight. They were the clear victors by a 15-1 margin over the Rockets. The Indians might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 11 matchups by six runs or more this season.
Adry Botello looked comfortable as he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit over four innings pitched. He also tossed no walks, which is notable because Ysleta is 4-1 when he allows at most two walks, but 7-12 otherwise.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Evan Martinez, who scored three runs and stole three bases while going 1-for-3. Those three stolen bases gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Angel Flores, who scored two runs while going 2-for-5.
Ysleta kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Irvin only managed four hits.
Ysleta pushed their record up to 11-13 with the victory, which was their fourth straight on the road. Those road wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 0.8 runs on average over those games. As for Bel Air, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 8-13-1.
Friday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Bel Air has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .442. However, it's not like Ysleta struggles in that department as they've averaged .445. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Bel Air might still be hurting after the 16-4 defeat they got from Ysleta in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can the Highlanders avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
