The Empire Ravens will head out on the road to challenge the Tanque Verde Hawks at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Empire has given up an average of 6.8 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Empire fought the good fight in their extra-innings contest against Pusch Ridge Christian Academy on Thursday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Lions by a score of 11-9. The Ravens have struggled against the Lions recently, as the game was their eighth consecutive lost matchup.
Meanwhile, Tanque Verde had already won eight in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 7.4 runs) and they went ahead and made it nine on Saturday. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured an 8-7 W against the Titans.
Nathan Hallums looked comfortable as he tossed 3.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off four hits. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Rocco Haggard was excellent, going 1-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and one stolen base. He is on a roll when it comes to RBI, as he's now brought in three or more in each of the last three games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Braden Guest, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one stolen base and one run.
Tanque Verde's victory bumped their record up to 17-4-2. As for Empire, their loss was their first in the region, dropping their region record down to 3-1 and their overall record down to 14-9.
Monday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Empire hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .377. However, it's not like Tanque Verde struggles in that department as they've averaged .389. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Empire skirted past Tanque Verde 6-5 in their previous meeting back in April of 2025. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Ravens since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
