The Provo Bulldogs will head out on the road to take on the Payson Lions at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Provo is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.6 runs per game this season.
Provo took a ten-run defeat the last time they faced off against Timpanogos, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Bulldogs sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with an 8-6 win over the Timberwolves on Friday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Bulldogs have posted since March 10th.
Dawson Moore
| 04/18/25 vs Timpanogos | 3 |
| 04/08/25 @ Mountain View | 3 |
| 03/26/25 vs Uintah | 3 |
| 04/01/25 @ Westlake | 2 |
| 03/05/25 vs West | 2 |
| + 11 more games |
Dawson Moore was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. He is becoming a predictor of Provo's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 7-8 when he doesn't). Austin Allred was another key player, going a perfect 1-for-1 with three stolen bases and three runs.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Provo kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They are a perfect 5-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Payson entered their tilt with Juab on Monday with two consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with three. They walked away with a 7-4 win over the Wasps.
Brigzen Houser made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with one run and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Cole Neves, who went 3-for-4 with one run and one RBI. Those three hits gave him a new career-high.
Provo moved to 12-8 with that victory, which also ended their three-game losing streak. As for Payson, their record now sits at 8-13.
Tuesday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Provo has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .435. However, it's not like Payson struggles in that department as they've averaged .435. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Provo beat Payson 7-4 in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Bulldogs since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
