The Cortez Colts will venture away from home to take on the Yuma Criminals at 3:45 p.m. on Friday. Cortez is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.8 runs per game this season.
On Wednesday, Cortez got the win against Dysart by a conclusive 17-1. The victory continues a trend for the Colts in their matchups with the Demons: they've now won four in a row.
Noelia Santos was excellent, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with three runs.
Cortez always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .846. The last time their OBP was this high was back in April of 2024.
Meanwhile, Yuma beat Desert Sunrise 13-8 on Thursday.
Monika Ordaz was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She struck out six batters over seven innings while giving up three earned (and five unearned) runs off ten hits (and only one walk). That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in March. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with three RBI and one double.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Derryel Medel, who went 4-for-5 with three stolen bases, three runs, and two doubles. She has been hot recently, having posted three or more hits the last three times she's played. Another player making a difference was Elia Palencia, who went 4-for-5 with three runs, two doubles, and one RBI.
Cortez's record now sits at 6-11. As for Yuma, their record is now 11-7.
Friday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Cortez has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .563. However, it's not like Yuma struggles in that department as they've averaged .452. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Cortez might still be hurting after the 17-1 defeat they got from Yuma in their previous meeting last Tuesday. Can the Colts avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
