The Fort Collins Lambkins will challenge the Cherokee Trail Cougars at 3:30 p.m. on Monday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Cherokee Trail will take on a team with plenty of momentum: Fort Collins extended their winning streak to five on Saturday. The Lambkins blew past Fossil Ridge 10-4. Ten seems to be a good number for the Lambkins as the team scooped up a victory with the same number of runs in their previous game.
Fort Collins got a great performance from Lily Padilla as she pitched 4.2 innings while giving up just one earned run off five hits. Padilla has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Cori Davis was a standout: she went 2-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and one double. Chaela Johnson also deserves some recognition as she got her first hit of the season.
Fort Collins hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Fossil Ridge struck out seven times.
Meanwhile, while Cherokee Trail put up plenty of runs on Friday, the same can't be said for Denver South. The Cougars put the hurt on the Ravens with a sharp 16-0 win. That 16 run margin sets a new team best for the Cougars this season.
Leera Davis made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. What's more, she posted two strikeouts, the most she's had since back in September of 2024. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with three RBI and one run.
In other batting news, Cherokee Trail let Abby Anderson and Isabelle Becker run wild. Anderson went a perfect 2-for-2 with four RBI, one run, and one double, while Becker went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one triple, and one RBI. Those four RBI gave Anderson a new career-high. Paige March was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one triple, one run, and one RBI.
Fort Collins' record now sits at 15-3. As for Cherokee Trail, their record is now 12-3.
Monday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Fort Collins has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .496. However, it's not like Cherokee Trail struggles in that department as they've averaged .457. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Fort Collins suffered a grim 13-1 defeat to Cherokee Trail when the teams last played back in August of 2024. Can the Lambkins avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
