Serrano hasn't had much luck against Apple Valley recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Diamondbacks will face off against the Sun Devils at 3:15 p.m. Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
While Serrano's victory against Hesperia wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Diamondbacks narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past the Scorpions 8-7. The victory continues a trend for the Diamondbacks in their matchups with the Scorpions: they've now won eight in a row.
Lilliana Gutierrez
| 04/15/26 vs Hesperia | 2 |
| 04/03/26 @ Sultana | 1 |
| 04/01/26 vs Apple Valley | 1 |
| 03/12/26 @ Granite Hills | 1 |
| 02/25/26 @ Eisenhower | 1 |
Wendy Arauz and Lilliana Gutierrez did most of the damage at the plate: Arauz went 2-for-3 with two runs and one stolen base, while Gutierrez went 2-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI, and one run. Those two doubles gave Gutierrez a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Aila Berlanga, who went 3-for-4 with one run and one RBI.
Apple Valley came out on top against Oak Hills on Wednesday thanks in part to the team's impressive nine-run first inning. The Sun Devils took their matchup against the Bulldogs 16-13. Surprisingly, this marked the fifth straight game in which the away team has come away the victor in this series.
Khloe Beserra was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she pitched 4.2 innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off seven hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than one walk in five consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-5 with two RBI and one run.
In other batting news, Apple Valley got a massive performance out of Allyssa Purser, who fired off two home runs and five RBI while going 3-for-4. Liza Lozano was another key player, going 3-for-5 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI.
Apple Valley kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 17 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least 11 hits in five consecutive contests.
Serrano's record is now 8-10. As for Apple Valley, their record now sits at 11-9-1.
Fans could be in store for some top-tier slugging on Friday. Serrano hasn't had any problems when it comes to power this season, having averaged 0.4 home runs per game. However, it's not like Apple Valley struggles in that department as they've been averaging 1 home runs. With so much power on both teams, it'll be down to the pitchers to keep the mound locked down.
Serrano might still be hurting after the 13-4 loss they got from Apple Valley in their previous matchup two weeks ago. Can the Diamondbacks avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
