For the second straight game, Hatch Valley will face off against Cobre. The Bears will take on the Indians at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. The squads are rolling into the game with opposing streaks: Hatch Valley has struggled recently with five losses in a row, while Cobre will arrive with four straight victories.
Hatch Valley managed to slip by Cobre the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Bears lost 28-13 to the Indians on Tuesday. Even though they lost, the Bears' still made a splash at the plate and bumped their average scoring up to 6.2 runs per game (they're now ranked -1th in scoring overall).
For Cobre's part, Jesus Lopez made a big impact 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 five unearned) runs off eight hits. Those seven strikeouts gave Lopez a new career-high. He was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in five of his seven plate appearances with four runs, two stolen bases, and two RBI. He has become a key player for Cobre: the team is 5-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 4-7 otherwise.
In other batting news, Cobre let Zeke Morales and Aaron Harrington run wild. Morales got on base in four of his seven plate appearances with four runs, two RBI, and one double, while Harrington got on base in five of his seven plate appearances with three runs, three RBI, and one stolen base. Harrington is becoming a predictor of Cobre's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 5-1 (and 4-7 when he doesn't). Julian Perez was another key player, going 4-for-6 with five runs and one stolen base.
Cobre always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .619. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .531 or higher in three consecutive matchups.
Hatch Valley's defeat dropped their record down to 3-14. As for Cobre, they now have a winning record of 9-8.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Hatch Valley has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.4 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Cobre struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 5.1 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
