The Phoenix Christian Cougars will take on the Madison Highland Prep Heat at 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday. Phoenix Christian is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 10.7 runs per game this season.
Phoenix Christian will roll into the match after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up two runs on Wednesday, then bounced right back against Camp Verde on Friday. The Cougars blew past the Cowboys 11-3. The Cougars haven't had any issues with the Cowboys recently, as the game was their third consecutive win against them.
Oliver Sierra made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over four innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits (and only one walk). Those six strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with two runs, two doubles, and one stolen base.
Nate Burton
| 04/18/25 @ Camp Verde | 3 |
| 04/11/25 vs Mogollon | 2 |
| 04/08/25 @ Scottsdale Preparatory Academy | 2 |
| 04/05/25 @ Tombstone | 2 |
| 03/20/25 vs Lincoln Prep | 2 |
In other batting news, Nate Burton was a standout: he went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. Those three runs gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Ryne Viscum, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI and one triple.
Phoenix Christian kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Camp Verde only managed seven hits.
Meanwhile, Madison Highland Prep fell victim to Scottsdale Christian Academy and their airtight pitching crew on Thursday. They lost 14-0 to the Eagles. That's two games in a row now that the Heat have lost by exactly 14 runs.
Madison Highland Prep saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Anthony Kritikos, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with one stolen base.
Madison Highland Prep has also been struggling recently as they've lost four of their last five contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-10 record this season. As for Phoenix Christian, their victory bumped their record up to 20-3.
Tuesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Phoenix Christian hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .369. However, it's not like Madison Highland Prep struggles in that department as they've averaged .343. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Phoenix Christian's way against Madison Highland Prep in their previous meeting back in March, as Phoenix Christian made off with a 19-0 win. Will the Cougars repeat their success, or do the Heat have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
