The Chandler Prep Titans will head out to square off against the Phoenix Country Day Eagles at 3:45 p.m. on Thursday. Chandler Prep knows how to get runs on the board -- the team has finished with ten runs or more in their past four matchups -- so hopefully Phoenix Country Day likes a good challenge.
Chandler Prep saw some tournament action on Saturday. They blew past Willcox 14-1. That looming 14-1 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Titans yet this season.
Dominic Steineke made a splash no matter where he played. He struck out eight batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Steineke was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two RBI and one double.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Emet Yates, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, six RBI, and three runs. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Derek Tucker, who scored three runs and stole Two bases. while going 2-for-3.
Chandler Prep was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .467. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .303 or higher every time they've taken the field this season.
Meanwhile, Phoenix Country Day didn't have quite enough to beat Camp Verde on Tuesday and fell 5-4.
Like Chandler Prep, Phoenix Country Day also got a great game from a two-way player: Reed Ross. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing two innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. Ross was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 3-for-4.
Ross wasn't the only one making solid contact as two players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Ronnie Ross, who scored a run while going 1-for-2. Phillip Kaplan also deserves some recognition as he scored his first run of the season.
Chandler Prep's record now sits at 4-0. As for Phoenix Country Day, their loss dropped their record down to 1-4.
Phoenix Country Day's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Chandler Prep has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .493. It's a different story for Phoenix Country Day, though, as they've only averaged .350. Will they be able to contain Chandler Prep's hitters?
Chandler Prep came up short against Phoenix Country Day in their previous matchup back in April of 2023, falling 3-0. Can Chandler Prep avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
