Desert Heights Prep hasn't had much luck against Bagdad recently, but that could start to change on Wednesday. The Yote will look to defend their home field against the Sultans at 3:30 p.m. After the two teams made easy work of their previous opponents, one won't be so lucky on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Desert Heights Prep got the win against San Pasqual Valley by a conclusive 18-2. The win continues a trend for the Yote in their matchups with the Warriors: they've now won four in a row.
Nicole Bryan made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run over four innings pitched. Bryan was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one RBI.
In other batting news, Bayli Johnson was incredible, going 2-for-3 with one home run, three stolen bases, and three runs. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Anna Fjell, who scored two runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-3.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Bagdad, who bounced back after a loss on the road last Monday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand Maryvale Prep a 20-0 shutout on Tuesday. The Sultans might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won nine matches by six runs or more this season.
Like Desert Heights Prep, Bagdad also got a great game from a two-way player: Tatum Jeans. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out eight over four innings pitched. Jeans has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 2-for-3.
In other batting news, Bagdad got a massive performance out of Anna Williams, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI. Bria Moseley was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI.
Bagdad was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .808. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .310 or higher in seven consecutive games.
Bagdad has been performing well recently as they've won eight of their last ten contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 12-4 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 15.0 runs over those games. As for Desert Heights Prep, their win bumped their record up to 4-9.
Wednesday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Desert Heights Prep has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .517. However, it's not like Bagdad struggles in that department as they've averaged .634. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Desert Heights Prep might still be hurting after the 20-5 loss they got from Bagdad in their previous matchup two weeks ago. Will the Yote have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
