The Ash Fork/Seligman Spartans will be taking part in a tournament against the Superior Panthers at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday. Ash Fork/Seligman is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 10.9 runs per game this season.
Ash Fork/Seligman will roll into the game after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up one run last Tuesday, then bounced right back against Maryvale Prep on Tuesday. The Spartans put the hurt on the Matador with a sharp 23-1 win. That 22 run margin sets a new team best for the Spartans this season.
Branson Milius was a major factor no matter where he played. He struck out six batters over 2.2 innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit (and only one walk). He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-4. Ash Fork/Seligman is undefeated when Milius posts two or more runs, but 2-4 otherwise.
Miclo Ayala
| 04/08/25 @ Maryvale Prep | 3 |
| 03/26/25 vs Northland Prep Academy | 2 |
| 03/24/25 vs St. Michael | 2 |
| 03/24/25 vs St. Michael | 2 |
| 03/17/25 vs Red Mesa | 2 |
| + 2 more games |
In other batting news, Miclo Ayala was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with two stolen bases, three runs, and four RBI. He has become a key player for Ash Fork/Seligman: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 0-4 otherwise. Jhovanny Vazquez was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4.
Ash Fork/Seligman kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 20 hits. That's the most hits they've posted since back in April of 2024.
Meanwhile, Wednesday just wasn't the day for Superior's offense. They came up short against Hayden on Wednesday, falling 10-0. The Panthers have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Superior's loss dropped their record down to 7-7. As for Ash Fork/Seligman, their record is now 6-4.
Ash Fork/Seligman's speedy runners might be the difference in Thursday's contest. The Spartans have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 6.2 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Superior, though, as they've been averaging only 1.1 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Ash Fork/Seligman continue to outrun the ball?
Ash Fork/Seligman suffered a grim 20-4 defeat to Superior when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can the Spartans avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
