The Central Grizzlies will take on the Madera Coyotes in a tournament on Tuesday. Central is coming into the game hot, having won their last 11 games.
Madera's hitters are going to have their work cut out for them on Tuesday: Central hadn't allowed a single run the last three times they've hit the field. The Grizzlies' pitcher stepped up to hand Liberty a 13-0 shutout on Monday. With that victory, the Grizzlies brought their scoring average up to 6.2 runs per game.
Yaya Diredo looked comfortable as she didn't allow a single earned run over four innings pitched. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Kaelyn Delgado and Gabi Ramirez did most of the damage at the plate: Delgado went 1-for-2 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI, while Ramirez went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI. That's the most runs Delgado has posted since back in March. Ella Bakholdin was another key player, scoring a run while going 3-for-4.
Central was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .500. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .304 or higher in three consecutive matches.
Meanwhile, Madera entered their tilt with Garces Memorial on Monday with six consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with seven. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 4-3 W against the Rams.
Madera also got a great performance from Isabella Aguirre as she tossed five innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off three hits.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Savana Cortez, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Central's record now sits at 15-1-1. As for Madera, their record is now 13-4.
Tuesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Central hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .340. However, it's not like Madera struggles in that department as they've averaged .350. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Central suffered a grim 13-3 defeat to Madera in their previous matchup back in March of 2019. Can the Grizzlies avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
