The St. Augustine Catholic Wolves will challenge the Tombstone Yellow Jackets at 3:45 p.m. on Thursday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.
Having struggled with nine losses in a row dating back to last season, St. Augustine Catholic turned things around against Santa Rita on Monday. They never let the Eagles get on the board and left with a 21-0 victory. The Wolves' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Owen Ernle and Sergio Cordova were a major factor no matter where they played. Throwing, Ernle pitched 1.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Meanwhile, Cordova pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. What's more, Ernle gave up only zero earned runs, the fewest he's had since back in April of 2024. At bat, Ernle went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run and seven RBI, while Cordova went a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, three RBI, and one triple. That's the most hits Cordova has posted since back in March of 2024.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Diego Perez, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April of 2024. Gus Alcantar was another key player, scoring two runs while getting on base in all three of his plate appearances.
St. Augustine Catholic always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .788. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Tombstone got the win against Willcox on Tuesday by a conclusive 12-0. That looming 12-0 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Yellow Jackets yet this season.
Brendan Caballero and DJ Elias made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Caballero tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Elias tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. At the plate, Caballero went 1-for-3 with one stolen base and one RBI, while Elias got on base in all four of his plate appearances with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. That home run was Elias' first of the season.
In other batting news, Trey Franklin and Sasha Webster did most of the damage at the plate: Franklin scored three runs and stole a base while going 1-for-4, while Webster scored two runs and stole Two bases. while going 2-for-3. Webster also brought in an RBI, marking his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Hank Moody, who scored two runs while going 1-for-3.
Tombstone's record now sits at 3-1-1. As for St. Augustine Catholic, their win (their first of the season) made their record 1-3.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. St. Augustine Catholic hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .400. However, it's not like Tombstone struggles in that department as they've averaged .388. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
St. Augustine Catholic came up short against Tombstone in their previous matchup back in March of 2024, falling 9-6. Can St. Augustine Catholic avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
