The Maricopa Rams will head out to square off against the Canyon del Oro Dorados at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Maricopa is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.6 runs per game this season.
On Thursday, Maricopa beat Pusch Ridge Christian Academy 6-3. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Rams.
Athena Nelson made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she pitched 6.1 innings while giving up three earned runs off seven hits. That's the fewest hits she has allowed since March 1st. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-2 with two RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Alanee Calderon, who scored two runs and stole two bases while going 1-for-3. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in March of 2024.
Meanwhile, Canyon del Oro put another one in the bag on Wednesday to keep their perfect season alive. They blew past Cienega 10-2. Fans of the Dorados have seen this all before: every one of the games they've played this season has ended in a blowout of 6+ runs.
Amelia Streuber spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on two hits and racked up 17 Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two hits in six consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Molly Herman was incredible, scoring three runs while going 4-for-4. Another player making a difference was Taya Kelly, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-2.
Canyon del Oro was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .520. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .300 or higher in 15 consecutive games dating back to last season.
Canyon del Oro's win was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 14-0. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 14.8 runs over those games. As for Maricopa, their record now sits at 8-6-1.
Friday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Maricopa hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .337. However, it's not like Canyon del Oro struggles in that department as they've averaged .477. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Maricopa might still be hurting after the 15-0 loss they got from Canyon del Oro when the teams last played on March 10th. Can Maricopa avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
