The Ray Bearcats will head out to take on the Superior Panthers at 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday. Ray is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.8 runs per game this season.
Ray was handed a heart-breaking two-run loss in their last game, but they sure didn't let that happen against Patagonia on Thursday. The Bearcats put the hurt on the Lobos with a sharp 20-1 victory. The Bearcats haven't had any issues with the Lobos recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive win against them.
John Beede made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than two hits in eight consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while going 2-for-2. That's the most hits he has posted since back in March.
| 04/10/25 vs Patagonia | 3 |
| 03/18/25 @ Anthem Prep | 3 |
| 03/11/25 vs San Tan Foothills | 3 |
| 04/08/25 vs Miami | 2 |
| 03/28/25 vs Superior | 2 |
| + 5 more games |
In other batting news, James Ruiz and Jesse James did most of the damage at the plate: Ruiz went a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, three RBI, and one triple, while James went a perfect 2-for-2 with four RBI, two runs, and one triple. Ray is undefeated when Ruiz posts three or more hits, but 4-12-1 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Jaxon Cude, who scored three runs and stole two bases while going 1-for-2.
Ray hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their strikeout total in three consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, it was a proper cat-fight when Superior faced off against Globe on Friday. The Panthers fell 10-5 to the Tigers.
Like Ray, Superior also got a great game from a two-way player: Raiden Sommer. He tossed 2.1 innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. Sommer was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one double and one RBI.
Sommer wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Ryland Duarte, who went 1-for-3 with two runs and one triple.
Superior has also been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 8-8 record this season. As for Ray, their record now sits at 7-12-1.
Ray's speedy runners might be the difference in Tuesday's game. The Bearcats have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.4 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Superior, though, as they've been averaging only 1.3 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Ray continue to outrun the ball?
Ray came up short against Superior when the teams last played two weeks ago, falling 10-6. Can the Bearcats avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
