Bagdad and Mogollon are an even 3-3 against one another since May of 2019, but likely not for long. Bagdad will head out to take on Mogollon at 12:00 p.m. on Friday. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as Bagdad comes in on six and Mogollon on seven.
Bagdad barely beat Anthem Prep the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. Bagdad put the hurt on Anthem Prep with a sharp 12-5 win on Tuesday. The result was nothing new for the Sultans, who have now won eight matches by seven runs or more so far this season.
Destry Owings and Rowdy Hooper made a splash no matter where they played. On the mound, Owings tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Meanwhile, Hooper tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Owings has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two hits in three consecutive appearances. At the plate, Owings scored a run and stole three bases while going 1-for-4, while Hooper scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Nick Martinez
| 03/25/25 vs Anthem Prep | 3 |
| 02/27/25 vs Wickenburg | 2 |
| 04/18/24 @ Antelope | 2 |
| 03/21/25 @ Superior | 1 |
| 04/27/24 vs Ash Fork | 1 |
In other batting news, Nick Martinez was incredible, scoring two runs and stealing three bases while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. Those three stolen bases gave him a new career-high. Bubba Myers was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing four bases while getting on base in two of his four plate appearances.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Mogollon). Their pitcher stepped up to hand Joseph City a 29-0 shutout on Tuesday. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the team's high-flying offense, the game also marked the team's biggest victory of the season.
Like Bagdad, Mogollon also got a great game from a two-way player: Hadley Porter. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out seven over four innings pitched. That's the fewest hits Porter has allowed since back in April of 2024. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-6 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple.
In other batting news, Mogollon got a massive performance out of Eric Starkes, who scored five runs and stole a base while going 3-for-5. Brody Porter also deserves some recognition as he hit his first triple of the season.
Mogollon always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .560. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Joseph City only posted an OBP of .250.
Bagdad pushed their record up to 9-1 with the win, which was their fifth straight at home. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.6 runs over those games. As for Mogollon, their record is now 9-1.
Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Bagdad has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .524. However, it's not like Mogollon struggles in that department as they've averaged .529. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Bagdad took their win against Mogollon in their previous matchup back in May of 2024 by a conclusive 10-0. The rematch might be a little tougher for Bagdad since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
