Hereford is on a three-game streak of home wins, while Andrews is on a five-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. The Whitefaces will host the Mustangs at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. The last three games Hereford has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
If Hereford beats Andrews with seven runs on Thursday, it's going to be the squad's new lucky number: they've won their past two matchups with that exact score. The Whitefaces came out on top in a nail-biter against Canyon on Friday, sneaking past 7-5.
Hereford let Brix Machen and Kayden Alonzo run wild. Machen went a perfect 2-for-2 with one triple, one stolen base, and two RBI, while Alonzo got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. That's the most runs Alonzo has posted since back in March. Parker Schertz was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
Hereford was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .385. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .333 or higher in four consecutive contests.
Andrews came out on top against Greenwood last Friday thanks in part to the team's impressive five-run first inning. The Mustangs put the hurt on the Rangers with a sharp 8-1 win. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest victory the Mustangs have posted against the Rangers since April 22, 2022.
Aidyn Hathcock spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned run on four hits and racked up nine Ks. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in five consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Grayson Martindale was incredible, going 2-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and one double. The team also got some help courtesy of Sammy Saldivar, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with one triple, two RBI, and one run.
Hereford's win bumped their record up to 16-10. As for Andrews, their victory bumped their record up to 18-9.
Thursday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Hereford hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .329. However, it's not like Andrews struggles in that department as they've averaged .377. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Hereford beat Andrews 5-0 in their previous matchup back in May of 2023. Will the Whitefaces repeat their success, or do the Mustangs have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
