The Kuna Kavemen will head out to face off against the Timberline Wolves at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Kuna was handed a heart-breaking two-run defeat in their last game, but they sure didn't let that happen against Borah on Thursday. The Kavemen put the hurt on the Lions with a sharp 10-2 victory. The high-scoring effort was just what the Kavemen needed considering they were shut out in their previous match.
Rylee Mangum made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off six hits (and not a single walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. That's the most runs she has posted since April 1st.
In other batting news, Amber Harwood was a standout: she went 1-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since April 1st. Cassandra Burciaga also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.
Kuna hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They are 4-1 when they post two or more strikeouts.
Meanwhile, Timberline faced Meridian in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Thursday. The Wolves were the clear victors by a 14-2 margin over the Warriors. The win was nothing new for the Wolves as they're now sitting on four straight.
Delaney Wright spent all six innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on four hits and racked up 12 Ks.
At the plate, Ashlyn Graklanoff was incredible, firing off two home runs, seven RBI, and four runs while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances. Mallorie Casch was another key player, going 2-for-4 with three runs and one double.
Kuna pushed their record up to 12-10 with the victory, which was their third straight at home. The home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.7 runs on average over those games. As for Timberline, their record is now 15-3.
Friday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Kuna hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .337. However, it's not like Timberline struggles in that department as they've averaged .417. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Kuna suffered a grim 8-0 defeat to Timberline when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can the Kavemen avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
