We've got a battle between Broncos coming up. Kirtland Central is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7 runs per game this season.
Kirtland Central is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of New Mexico's top teams: Piedra Vista, who was ranked 13th at the time (Kirtland Central was ranked 23rd). Kirtland Central fell just short of Piedra Vista by a score of 6-5 on Thursday. The loss continues a trend for the Broncos in their meetings with the Panthers: they've now lost eight in a row.
Isabella Hurtado
| 03/20/25 @ Piedra Vista | 3 |
| 03/12/24 vs Grants | 1 |
| 03/09/24 vs Taos | 1 |
| 03/08/24 @ Cleveland | 1 |
Isabella Hurtado was cooking despite her team's loss, going 1-for-2 with one home run and three RBI. Those three RBI gave her a new career-high. Tamirra Chee was another key player, scoring two runs while going 3-for-3.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask San Juan). They never let East Mountain get on the board and left with a 21-0 victory on Thursday. The team's explosion at the plate also rewarded the Broncos with their most commanding win of the season.
Khatira Keith made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up a single hit in three consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 2-for-3.
In other batting news, Averie Gilson was a standout: she scored two runs and stole Three bases. while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. Another player making a difference was Keegan Palmer, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 3-for-3.
San Juan always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .727. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
With the win, San Juan broke their three-game losing streak and moved their record to 3-4. As for Kirtland Central, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-4.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Kirtland Central has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 5.5 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like San Juan struggles in that department as they've been averaging 4.1 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Kirtland Central might still be hurting after the 22-7 loss they got from San Juan when the teams last played back in March of 2023. Can Kirtland Central avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
