The Palo Verde Panthers are taking a road trip to square off against the Liberty Patriots at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Palo Verde is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.1 runs per game this season.
Palo Verde barely beat Birmingham the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Panthers blew past the Patriots 9-3 on Monday. Winning may never get old, but the Panthers sure are getting used to it with their third in a row.
Hayden Lucibello
| 04/14/25 vs Birmingham | 1 |
| 04/02/25 vs Centennial | 2 |
| 03/27/25 @ Spring Valley | 2 |
| 03/24/25 vs Shadow Ridge | 1 |
| 03/19/25 vs Mountain Vista | 1 |
| + 2 more games |
Hayden Lucibello looked comfortable as he tossed four innings while giving up three earned runs off six hits. He has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Dane Keener and Luke Herrera did most of the damage at the plate: Keener went 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI, while Herrera scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. The team also got some help courtesy of Brady Dallimore, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Meanwhile, Liberty faced Shadow Ridge in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Tuesday. The Patriots skirted past the Mustangs 9-8. The Patriots haven't had any issues with the Mustangs recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive win against them.
The team relied heavily on Jaydrien Klein-Baker, who went 2-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Chris Onoszko, who scored two runs and stole a base.
Palo Verde's record is now 17-6. As for Liberty, their record now sits at 16-9.
Wednesday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Palo Verde has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .472. However, it's not like Liberty struggles in that department as they've averaged .450. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Palo Verde couldn't quite get it done against Liberty in their previous matchup back in March as they fell 13-8. Can the Panthers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
