The Yuma Catholic Shamrocks will venture away from home to take on the Valley Christian Trojans at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Both teams are still undefeated (Yuma Catholic has 11 wins , while Valley Christian has nine dating back to last season).
Yuma Catholic had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 11-run drubbing they dealt Parker on Tuesday. Yuma Catholic never let Parker get on the board and left with an 11-0 victory. The result was nothing new for the Shamrocks, who have now won eight contests by six runs or more so far this season.
Leonel Avelar was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out nine over five innings pitched. Furthermore, he didn't allow a single walk, the first time he has blanked an opponent since back in April of 2024. He was also big at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one double and one RBI.
In other batting news, Joey Carey was incredible, going 2-for-3 with three RBI, one triple, and one stolen base. Daniel Ruiz also deserves some recognition as he hit his first triple of the season.
Yuma Catholic 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 eight hits in eight consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, Valley Christian got the win against Globe on Monday by a conclusive 13-3. Considering the Trojans have won five games by more than five runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
Like Yuma Catholic, Valley Christian also got a great game from a two-way player: Carson Grier. Throwing, Grier tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Berkeley Kaiser tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one walk in three consecutive appearances. At bat, Grier scored two runs while going 1-for-3, while Kaiser scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-3.
In other pitching news, Ty Pasisich looked comfortable as he struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up three earned runs off four hits (and not a single walk). He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one walk any time he's pitched this season.
Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Caleb Danzeisen, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with two runs, one triple, and one RBI. Jaxen Maxey was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing Two bases. while going 1-for-1.
Valley Christian's win was their 21st straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 7-0. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.7 runs on average over those games. As for Yuma Catholic, their record is now 11-0.
Wednesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Yuma Catholic has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .512. However, it's not like Valley Christian struggles in that department as they've averaged .545. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Yuma Catholic suffered a grim 11-1 defeat to Valley Christian in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Can Yuma Catholic avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
