Baseball Recap: Arete Prep Takes a Loss

Arete Prep had lost four straight on the road, but on Friday they dropped their record down to 0-6 to make it five. They came up short against the Madison Highland Prep Heat, falling 20-3. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Heat this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 19-0 on April 4th.

As for Madison Highland Prep, the win made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 6-11. Their hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.

For Madison Highland Prep's part, Anthony Kritikos made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over four innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off three hits. Those eight strikeouts gave Kritikos a new career-high. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. He has become a key player for Madison Highland Prep: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 1-11 otherwise.

In other batting news, Madison Highland Prep got a massive performance out of Raul Sotelo Baltazar, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. Sotelo Baltazar is becoming a predictor of the Heat's success: when he posts at least two stolen bases the team is undefeated (and 3-11 when he doesn't). The team also got some help courtesy of Aidan Zuber, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases, four RBI, and one run.

Looking ahead, Arete Prep will head out to square off against Gilbert Classical Academy at 3:45 p.m. on Monday. The CHARGERS' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Spartans have averaged an impressive 6.3 runs per game this season. As for Madison Highland Prep, they will welcome Red Rock at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. The Heat are facing the Scorpions at the right time seeing as the Scorpions are stuck on a 12-game losing streak.