The Kennedy Commanders will venture away from home to challenge the DSST: Montview Knights at 4:15 p.m. on Friday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Kennedy took a ten-run defeat the last time they faced off against Manual, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Commanders had just enough and edged out the Thunderbolts 12-10. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Commanders have posted since April 15, 2025.
Xavier Benavidez
| 04/14/26 @ Manual | 3 |
| 03/27/26 vs Bruce Randolph | 3 |
| 03/13/26 vs Thornton | 3 |
| 04/11/26 vs Jefferson | 2 |
| 04/10/26 @ Denver West | 1 |
| + 6 more games |
Xavier Benavidez and Kalani Market did most of the damage at the plate: Benavidez went 2-for-4 with four stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI, while Market went 2-for-4 with three runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. Kennedy is undefeated when Benavidez posts two or more runs, but 0-9 otherwise. Ki'Marri Dotson was another key player, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with three stolen bases and one run.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Kennedy kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least ten hits in five consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, DSST: Montview didn't have quite enough to beat Denver West on Tuesday and fell 14-13.
Boon Vuth and Paul Ventura did some serious damage despite the final result: Vuth went a perfect 2-for-2 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI, while Ventura went a perfect 1-for-1 with two stolen bases, one run, and one double. Vuth has been hot, having posted at least one stolen base the last five times he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Izzy (Isaiah) Esserman, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with two stolen bases and one run.
Kennedy's victory ended a seven-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 4-9. As for DSST: Montview, their loss ended a three-game streak of away wins and brought them to 4-7.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Kennedy has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.1 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like DSST: Montview struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 9.5 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Kennedy couldn't quite finish off DSST: Montview in their previous meeting last Tuesday and fell 11-9. Can the Commanders avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
