The Hudson's Bay Eagles will head out on the road to take on the Washougal Panthers at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Hudson's Bay will aim to continue their four-game streak of scoring more runs each game than the last.
Hudson's Bay fought the good fight in their extra-innings match against Evergreen on Thursday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They took a 12-8 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Plainsmen.
Cam Nicklas made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and got on base in three of his six plate appearances with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. He also put up two RBI, which were his first of the season. Juda Bendin was another key player, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with two stolen bases and one run.
Meanwhile, Washougal came into Wednesday's contest having lost eight straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They put the hurt on Hudson's Bay with a sharp 12-4 victory on Wednesday. That eight run margin sets a new team best for the Panthers this season.
Tyler Thompson was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He tossed six innings while giving up four earned runs off six hits. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one RBI.
In other batting news, Kadin Gibbons was incredible, going 4-for-5 with three RBI, one run, and one double. Those four hits gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Jayden Vasquez, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs.
Washougal always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .562. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Hudson's Bay has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost seven of their last eight games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 3-10 record this season. As for Washougal, their win was their first in the district, bumping their district record up to 1-6 and their overall record up to 4-9.
Hudson's Bay's speedy runners might be the difference in Friday's matchup. The Eagles have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.9 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Washougal, though, as they've been averaging only 0.9 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Hudson's Bay continue to outrun the ball?
Hudson's Bay might still be hurting after the 12-4 loss they got from Washougal in their previous meeting on Wednesday. Can the Eagles avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
