The Independence Patriots are taking a road trip to square off against the La Joya Community Fighting Lobos at 3:45 p.m. on Monday. Independence is currently enjoying a perfect season and no doubt wants to keep things rolling.
If Independence beats La Joya Community with 15 runs on Monday, it's going to be the squad's new lucky number: they've won their past two matchups with that exact score. The Patriots blew past Washington 15-3 on Thursday. Considering the Patriots have won four contests by more than nine runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Mariana Perez Vargas
| 04/03/25 @ Washington | 13 |
| 03/31/25 @ Browne | 10 |
| 03/25/25 vs Copper Canyon | 9 |
| 03/06/25 vs Maryvale | 8 |
| 03/05/25 vs North Canyon | 10 |
| + 9 more games |
Mariana Perez Vargas made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She struck out 13 batters over five innings while giving up three earned runs off only two hits. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in April of 2024. She was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing a base while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
In other batting news, Nailea Lopez Flores was a standout: she scored four runs and stole three bases while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances. Genevieve De La Cruz also deserves some recognition as she hit her first doubles of the season.
Meanwhile, La Joya Community didn't have quite enough to beat Glendale on Thursday and fell 14-13.
Anaya Romero made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and fired off two home runs, three runs, and three RBI while getting on base in all five of her plate appearances. She has been hot, having posted three or more RBI the last seven times she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Hayley Melendrez, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 3-for-6.
Independence's victory was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 8-0. The road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.3 runs over those games. As for La Joya Community, their loss dropped their record down to 10-9.
Monday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Independence hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .354. However, it's not like La Joya Community struggles in that department as they've averaged .427. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Independence skirted past La Joya Community 2-0 in their previous matchup back in April of 2015. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Patriots since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
