The Kennedy Commanders will square off against the Standley Lake Gators at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Kennedy took a ten-run defeat the last time they faced off against Manual, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Commanders came out on top in a nail-biter against the Thunderbolts on Tuesday, sneaking past 12-10. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Commanders have posted since April 15, 2025.
Kalani Market
| 04/14/26 @ Manual | 2 |
| 04/10/26 @ Denver West | 1 |
| 03/27/26 vs Bruce Randolph | 1 |
| 03/14/26 @ Wheat Ridge | 1 |
| 03/11/26 @ Overland | 1 |
Xavier Benavidez and Kalani Market did most of the damage at the plate: Benavidez went 2-for-4 with four stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI, while Market went 2-for-4 with three runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. Those two doubles gave Market a new career-high. Ki'Marri Dotson was another key player, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with three stolen bases and one run.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Kennedy kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least ten hits in five consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, Standley Lake had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 5 runs) and they went ahead and made it three on Thursday. They walked away with a 10-7 victory over the Panthers.
Carter Casias was excellent, going 4-for-5 with three RBI, two runs, and one double. He is becoming a predictor of Standley Lake's success: when he posts at least three RBI the team is undefeated (and 4-6 when he doesn't). Another player making a difference was Aidan Rose, who went 2-for-4 with two runs and one double.
Standley Lake now has a winning record of 7-6. As for Kennedy, their win bumped their record up to 4-9.
Saturday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Kennedy has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .493. However, it's not like Standley Lake struggles in that department as they've averaged .481. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Kennedy suffered a grim 16-0 defeat to Standley Lake in their previous matchup back in May of 2025. Will the Commanders have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.
