Kent Denver is 2-8 against Colorado Academy since April of 2019 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Saturday. The Sun Devils will be playing at home against the Mustangs at 11:00 a.m. Kent Denver has given up an average of 6.9 runs per game this season, but Saturday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Kent Denver came into their game on Thursday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They lost 12-5 to Peak to Peak.
Levi Pollyea stepped up to lead a balanced group of hitters: he went 2-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI. That stolen base was his first of the season. Andrew Perry was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with one double and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Colorado Academy had already won four in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 3 runs) and they went ahead and made it five on Thursday. They blew past the Jaguars 18-7. The Mustangs' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Ben Bridich was a major factor no matter where he played. He pitched 1.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. What's more, he posted two strikeouts, the most he's had since back in May of 2024. He was even better at the plate, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with one home run, four RBI, and two runs.
In other batting news, Kieran Delaney was a standout: he went 3-for-4 with three runs, four RBI, and two doubles. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Jordan Reiter, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with four runs and one stolen base.
Colorado Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .636. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Colorado Academy's win was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 10-1. Those road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.7 runs over those games. As for Kent Denver, their loss dropped their record down to 9-5.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Saturday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Kent Denver has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Colorado Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 10.4 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Kent Denver suffered a grim 12-2 defeat to Colorado Academy when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can the Sun Devils avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
