Independence is 8-2 against Washington since April of 2021 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Thursday. The Patriots will welcome the Rams at 3:45 p.m. The teams are on pretty different trajectories at the moment (Independence has four straight victories, Washington has six straight defeats), but none of that matters once you're on the field.
Independence barely beat Maryvale the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Patriots were the clear victors by a 26-9 margin over the Panthers on Wednesday. The result was nothing new for the Patriots, who have now won seven matchups by six runs or more so far this season.
Nailea Lopez Flores
| 04/01/26 @ Maryvale | 5 |
| 03/31/26 @ Washington | 14 |
| 03/26/26 vs Copper Canyon | 11 |
| 03/24/26 @ Copper Canyon | 15 |
Nailea Lopez Flores was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She tossed 3.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in three of her six plate appearances with four runs and two stolen bases. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April of 2025.
In other batting news, Independence got a massive performance out of Alondra Garcia, who fired off three doubles, four RBI, and two runs while going 4-for-6. Garcia has been hot recently, having also posted at least one triple the last three times she's played. Lily Ragnoli was another key player, getting on base in five of her six plate appearances with four runs, two stolen bases, and two RBI.
Independence hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least five batters every time they've taken the field this season.
Independence hit Washington with a ten-run sixth inning on Tuesday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Rams fell just short of the Patriots by a score of 15-14.
Camille Harp and Jasmine Salazar did some serious damage despite the final result: Harp went 3-for-4 with four RBI, two doubles, and one run, while Salazar got on base in four of her five plate appearances with four runs, two stolen bases, and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Alyssa Lopez, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with two runs and two RBI.
Independence's win bumped their record up to 8-1. As for Washington, their loss dropped their record down to 2-10.
Thursday'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 .350. However, it's not like Washington struggles in that department as they've averaged .353. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Independence skirted past Washington 15-14 in their previous meeting on Tuesday. Do the Patriots have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Rams turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
