Gilbert hasn't had much luck against Higley recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Tigers will look to defend their home field against the Knights at 6:00 p.m. Gilbert is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.7 runs per game this season.
Gilbert barely beat Mountain Pointe the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Tigers' pitcher stepped up to hand the Pride a 10-0 shutout on Friday. The victory was some much needed relief for the Tigers as it spelled an end to their four-game losing streak.
Wilfredo Aviles IV made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits while striking out nine over five innings pitched. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Gilbert is 2-1 when he allows at most three earned runs, but 8-11 otherwise. Aviles IV was also big at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, two RBI, and one double. That's the most hits he has posted since back in March.
Brady Carlin
| 03/06/26 vs South Mountain | 5 |
| 04/10/26 vs Mountain Pointe | 3 |
| 03/18/26 vs Dobson | 2 |
| 03/26/26 @ Desert Ridge | 1 |
| 03/24/26 vs Desert Ridge | 1 |
| + 5 more games |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Brady Carlin, who got on base in all three of his plate appearances with two stolen bases and three runs. Gilbert is undefeated when Carlin posts two or more runs, but 7-12 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Cameron Foegal, who went 1-for-4 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
Gilbert always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .517. They are a perfect 6-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, Higley suffered their closest loss since February 27th on Thursday. They fell just short of Highland by a score of 3-1.
Higley also got a good showing from Niko Lekousis, who pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Lekousis has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than one walk in five consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Higley saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Luke Joslyn, who went 1-for-2 with two stolen bases.
Gilbert's win bumped their record up to 10-12. As for Higley, they now have a losing record of 10-11.
Gilbert couldn't quite get it done against Higley in their previous matchup back in April of 2025 as they fell 8-4. Can the Tigers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
