For the second straight game, Independence will face off against Highland. The Falcons will head out to take on the Scots at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. The teams are on pretty different trajectories at the moment (Independence has three straight wins, Highland has three straight defeats), but none of that matters once you're on the field.
Independence came out on top against Highland on Wednesday thanks in part to the team's impressive eight-run fourth inning. The Falcons were the clear victors by a 12-2 margin over the Scots. The Falcons might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 11 contests by six runs or more this season.
Brandon Gutierrez made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he pitched four innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off six hits. Gutierrez was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
Aldo Salcedo
| 04/23/25 vs Highland | 3 |
| 04/14/25 vs Lindsay | 3 |
| 03/07/25 vs Legacy Christian Academy | 3 |
| 03/03/25 vs South | 3 |
| 04/21/25 @ Highland | 2 |
| + 8 more games |
In other batting news, Independence let Aldo Salcedo and Jace Gillenwater run wild. Salcedo went a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and one double, while Gillenwater got on base in all four of his plate appearances with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run. Salcedo has become a key player for Independence: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 3-8 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of David Baralt Portillo, who went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI.
Independence was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .560. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .320 or higher in three consecutive matches.
Highland's loss dropped their record down to 13-8. As for Independence, their record now sits at an identical 13-8.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Independence has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Highland struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
