Espanola Valley extended their losing streak to five on Wednesday, dropping their season record down to 4-15 in the process. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 15-14 heartbreaker at the hands of the Grants Pirates. Even if the Sundevils couldn't come away with the win, the high-scoring effort was a great turnaround for their hitters, which had struggled int the games prior.
Nayleah Martinez was cooking despite her team's loss, firing off two home runs, four runs, and five RBI while going 4-for-5. She also hit a double, marking her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Leah Vigil, who went 2-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and one triple.
As for Grants, they are on a roll lately: they've won eight of their last nine matches. That's provided a massive bump to their 13-9 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.2 runs over those games.
On Grants' side, Olivia Toivanen made a splash while hitting and pitching. She pitched four innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits. Toivanen was even better at the plate, going 4-for-5 with five RBI, two doubles, and one triple. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, Annora Graham was a standout: she went 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI. That's the most hits she has posted over her last 11 games. The team also got some help courtesy of Aubrhyanna Garcia, who went 2-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Espanola Valley will welcome Los Alamos at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. The Hilltoppers will roll in looking for their ninth straight win, something the Sundevils surely won't give up without a fight. As for Grants, they will host Highland at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday. The Pirates are facing the Hornets at the right time seeing as the Hornets are stuck on a 12-game losing streak.
