Superior is 6-1 against Globe since March of 2015 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Panthers will be taking part in a tournament against the Tigers at 4:00 p.m. Superior is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.1 runs per game this season.
Superior will roll into the match after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any runs on Wednesday, then bounced right back against Ash Fork/Seligman on Thursday. The Panthers put the hurt on the Spartans with a sharp 13-3 win. Considering the Panthers have won six contests by more than five runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Antonio Lopez
| 04/10/25 vs Ash Fork/Seligman | 10 |
| 02/22/24 @ Ray | 9 |
| 04/03/25 @ Maryvale Prep | 8 |
| 03/18/25 vs Miami | 6 |
| 02/28/25 vs Morenci | 6 |
Antonio Lopez was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out ten batters over five innings while giving up three earned runs off five hits (and only one walk). Those ten strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two doubles and one RBI.
In other batting news, Joel Romero was a standout: he went a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, two stolen bases, and three RBI. He also scored two runs, which is notable because Superior is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 5-7 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Nicholas Rabago, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-2.
Superior always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .581. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, Globe hadn't done well against Safford recently (they were 1-6 in their previous seven matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Thursday. The Tigers sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 4-2 victory over the Bulldogs.
Globe saw six different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Braxton Tober, who scored a run while going 1-for-3.
Globe's win bumped their record up to 6-9. As for Superior, they now have a winning record of 8-7.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Superior has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Globe struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Superior skirted past Globe 5-3 in their previous matchup back in March of 2022. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Panthers since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
