The Rancho Rams are taking a road trip to challenge the Cimarron-Memorial Spartans at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Rancho has given up an average of 10.3 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Rancho is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 17 runs last Tuesday, they were much more limited against Legacy on Wednesday. They lost 16-0 to the Longhorns. The game marked the first time this season in which the Rams were not able to get on the board.
Meanwhile, Cimarron-Memorial came tearing into Wednesday's contest with five straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 14.4 runs), and they left with even more momentum. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Rattlers a 27-0 shutout. The result was nothing new for the Spartans, who have now won eight matchups by 12 runs or more so far this season.
Elaine Hernandez made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one hit in six consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with four runs, one double, and one RBI. With that strong performance, she is now averaging an impressive 2.1 runs per game.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Taylor Ramos, who fired off two home runs, eight RBI, and five runs while going 4-for-4. Those five runs gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Jasslyn Ramos, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with six RBI, two triples, and two runs.
Cimarron-Memorial kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 24 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in 15 consecutive games dating back to last season.
Rancho has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 5-5 record this season. As for Cimarron-Memorial, their record now sits at 9-1.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Rancho has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.4 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Cimarron-Memorial struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3.9 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Rancho might still be hurting after the 24-5 loss they got from Cimarron-Memorial in their previous meeting back in March. Can the Rams avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
