The Cibola Raiders will head out to take on the Gila Ridge Hawks at 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday. Cibola has given up an average of 8.9 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Cibola is probably headed into the contest with a chip on their shoulder considering Desert Vista just ended the team's three-game winning streak last Friday. They came up short against the Thunder, falling 11-4.
Laci Gonzales was cooking despite her team's loss, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run and two RBI. That home run was her first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Cameron Kasid, who scored a run while going 2-for-4.
Meanwhile, Gila Ridge got themselves on the board against Skyline on Saturday, but Skyline never followed suit. They were the clear victors by a 16-0 margin over the Coyotes. Considering the Hawks have won six matches by more than nine runs this season, Saturday's blowout was nothing new.
Kara Espino was a standout: she scored three runs and stole a base while going 3-for-4. What's more, she posted two RBI, the most she's had since back in April of 2024. Aimee Cisneros was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4.
Gila Ridge kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in three consecutive games.
Cibola's defeat dropped their record down to 6-11. As for Gila Ridge, their record is now 7-3.
Tuesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Cibola hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .369. However, it's not like Gila Ridge struggles in that department as they've averaged .386. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Cibola came up short against Gila Ridge when the teams last played back in April of 2024, falling 5-2. Can the Raiders avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
