The Cactus Cobras are taking a road trip to challenge the ALA - Gilbert North Eagles at 3:45 p.m. on Thursday. Each of these teams will be battling to keep a six-game winning streak alive.
Cactus will bounce into Thursday's matchup after beating Peoria, who they had gone 1-8 against in their nine prior meetings. The Cobras were the clear victors by a 14-5 margin over the Panthers on Monday. The Cobras might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won nine games by eight runs or more this season.
Raven Anderson made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over six innings while giving up just one earned (and four unearned) runs off three hits. Anderson was also big at the plate, going 1-for-4 with three runs.
In other batting news, David Niedosik and Degan Thomas did most of the damage at the plate: Niedosik went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI, while Thomas went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. That's the most stolen bases Niedosik has posted since back in February. Julian Navarro was another key player, going 1-for-3 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run.
Meanwhile, ALA - Gilbert North made easy work of Poston Butte on Wednesday and carried off a 17-2 victory. The Eagles are also no stranger to big wins: their blowout was the eighth contest they've won by 6+ runs this season.
Like Cactus, ALA - Gilbert North also got a great game from a two-way player: Matix Dunn. On the mound, he tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Dunn has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one triple and one double.
In other batting news, Grady Poulsen was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with six RBI, three runs, and two doubles. Tyson Webster also deserves some recognition as he launched his first home run of the season.
ALA - Gilbert North always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .719. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Cactus' record is now 13-4. As for ALA - Gilbert North, their record now sits at 13-3.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Cactus has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like ALA - Gilbert North struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3.4 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Cactus might still be hurting after the 19-6 loss they got from ALA - Gilbert North in their previous meeting back in April of 2025. Can the Cobras avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
