Tonopah Valley is 0-5 against River Valley since April of 2015 but things could change on Friday. The Phoenix will square off against the Dust Devils at 3:45 p.m.
Tonopah Valley's last matchup with Kingman could've gone either way, but unfortunately the same can't be said for the pair's matchup on Tuesday. The Phoenix came up short against the Bulldogs, falling 10-1. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Phoenix have suffered against the Bulldogs since April 13, 2021.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for River Valley, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Monday. Their pitchers stepped up to hand Highland Prep a 16-0 shutout on Wednesday. The contest marked the Dust Devils' most dominant win of the season.
Aiden Parker made a splash no matter where he played. On the mound, he tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Parker was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 1-for-2. He also put up a double, which was his first of the season.
In other pitching news, Brian Venegas looked comfortable as he struck out eight batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and not a single walk). Those eight strikeouts gave him a new career-high.
Back at the plate, Mickey Smith was a standout: he scored three runs and stole a base while going 2-for-2. That's the most runs he has posted since back in March. Kai Cornell was another key player, going 2-for-3 with three runs, one triple, and two RBI.
River Valley always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .690. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
River Valley has been performing well recently as they've won nine of their last 12 games. That's provided a nice bump to their 10-4-2 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.1 runs over those games. As for Tonopah Valley, their loss dropped their record down to 9-6-1.
Tonopah Valley suffered a grim 12-2 defeat to River Valley in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can the Phoenix avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
