For the second straight game, Independence will face off against Copper Canyon. The Patriots will square off against the Aztecs at 3:45 p.m. on Thursday. Independence has a tough task ahead: they'll enter the contest with five straight losses, while Copper Canyon will come in with five straight victories.
Independence fell victim to Copper Canyon and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They came up short against the Aztecs, falling 25-0.
For Copper Canyon's part, Dariany Flores was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Flores was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with four runs, two triples, and four RBI. That's the most triples he has posted since back in February of 2025.
In other batting news, Jonathan Grado and Gabriel Ruelas did most of the damage at the plate: Grado went a perfect 3-for-3 with six RBI, two runs, and one triple, while Ruelas went a perfect 3-for-3 with four runs, three RBI, and two doubles. Those four runs gave Ruelas a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Anthony Acosta Livas, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with three runs, one triple, and one stolen base.
Copper Canyon was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .654. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .375 or higher in five consecutive games.
Copper Canyon's record is now 7-2. As for Independence, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-6.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Independence has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.7 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Copper Canyon struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 5.6 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
