Maricopa is on a three-game streak of home losses dating back to last season, and Mesa an eight-game streak of away losses also dating back to last season. However, someone's due for a change in luck on Saturday. The Maricopa Rams will be defending their home field for the first time this season when they go up against the Mesa Jackrabbits at 10:00 a.m. Mesa took a loss in their last match and will be looking to turn the tables on Maricopa, who comes in off a win.
Maricopa picked up another tournament win on Friday. They came out on top against Apache Junction by a score of 4-1.
Sebastian Castro-Lopez was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out nine over four innings pitched. Castro-Lopez was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 1-for-3.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Will Hawkins, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-4. What's more, he posted two hits, the most he's had since back in March of 2024. Another player making a difference was Connor Jackson, who went 1-for-3 with one double and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Mesa came up short against Casa Grande on Friday, falling 13-4.
Chase Gilmore made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored a run while going 4-for-4. Sam Babalola was another key player, scoring two runs while going 1-for-3.
Mesa's loss dropped their record down to 0-3. As for Maricopa, their victory (their first of the season) made their record 1-2.
Maricopa's speedy runners might be the difference in Saturday's game. Maricopa has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.3 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Mesa, though, as they've been averaging only 0.7 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Maricopa continue to outrun the ball?
Maricopa skirted past Mesa 9-7 in their previous meeting back in March of 2024. Will Maricopa repeat their success, or does Mesa have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
