Rio Grande is 0-10 against West Mesa since April of 2017 but things could change on Tuesday. The Ravens will face off against the Mustangs at 4:00 p.m. Rio Grande is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9 runs per game this season.
Rio Grande is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 22 runs on Saturday, they were much more limited against Manzano on Monday. They took a 5-2 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Monarchs.
Rio Grande saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Jaslyn Gallegos, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-2. Another was Jenessa Purcella, who scored a run and stole two bases while getting on base in two of her four plate appearances.
Meanwhile, West Mesa can bid farewell to their five-game losing streak thanks to their game on Monday. They never let Del Norte get on the board and left with a 19-0 win. Considering the Mustangs have won eight games by more than seven runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
The result came thanks to Shyloh Aguilar's shutout, as she gave up just two hits and racked up six Ks. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Mya Baca was a standout: she went 3-for-4 with one home run, eight RBI, and two stolen bases. Those eight RBI gave her a new career-high. Ellie Padilla was another key player, going 3-for-4 with one home run, four runs, and two stolen bases.
West Mesa was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .677. They are 8-4 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
West Mesa's record is now 8-13. As for Rio Grande, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-10.
Tuesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Rio Grande has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .582. However, it's not like West Mesa struggles in that department as they've averaged .525. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Rio Grande suffered a grim 18-1 defeat to West Mesa in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Can the Ravens avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
