Natalia is 0-10 against Lytle since May of 2021 but things could change on Tuesday. The Mustangs will take on the Pirates at 4:30 p.m.
Natalia's last matchup with Hondo could've gone either way, but unfortunately the same can't be said for the pair's matchup on Friday. The Mustangs lost 19-2 to the Owls. Having soared to a lofty 19 runs in the game before, the Mustangs couldn't push the score so high this time.
Leo Buentello made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and went a perfect 2-for-2 with one stolen base and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Lytle came tearing into Friday's contest with 12 straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 9.9 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They never let the Javelinas get on the board and left with a 16-0 victory. The Pirates' pitching crew has been rock solid lately; the team hasn't given up a run in their last three games.
Devin Cordova made a splash while hitting and pitching. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out 11 over five innings pitched. He has been consistent: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three RBI and one double.
In other batting news, Toby Davila was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI. Lytle is 18-1 when Davila posts two or more runs, but 4-5-1 otherwise. Weston Jackson was another key player, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with four runs.
Lytle always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .579. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Crystal City only posted an OBP of .143.
Lytle's record is now 22-6-1. As for Natalia, their defeat dropped their record down to 9-12.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Tuesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Natalia has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.9 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Lytle struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 2.7 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Natalia suffered a grim 12-0 defeat to Lytle in their previous matchup on April 2nd. Can the Mustangs avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.