For the first time this season, Desert Edge will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will take on the Buckeye Hawks at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Desert Edge has given up an average of 9.1 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Desert Edge is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 15 runs on Thursday, they were much more limited against Chaparral on Friday. They lost 18-1 to the Firebirds.
Desert Edge saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Aliyah Fatigoni (2027), who went 1-for-2 with one triple and one run. That triple was Fatigoni (2027)'s first of the season.
Meanwhile, Buckeye entered their tilt with North on Wednesday with two consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with three. They put the hurt on the Mustangs with a sharp 15-5 victory. The result was nothing new for the Hawks, who have now won six games by eight runs or more so far this season.
Caleila Kaluna was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing 3.1 innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Kaluna was even better at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, three runs, and four RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Madison Blackwell, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 1-for-4. What's more, she posted two RBI, the most she's had since back in April of 2024. Jazlene Barrios was another key player, scoring two runs while going 1-for-4.
Desert Edge now has a losing record of 5-6. As for Buckeye, their record is now 6-3.
Tuesday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Desert Edge has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .523. However, it's not like Buckeye struggles in that department as they've averaged .474. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Desert Edge suffered a grim 17-9 defeat to Buckeye in their previous meeting on Saturday. Can Desert Edge avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
