Baseball Game Preview: Orofino Maniacs vs. Bonners Ferry Badgers

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Previous Games

03/09/24 - Home	14-0 W
03/08/24 - Home	13-3 W
03/08/24 - Home	8-7 W
03/11/23 - Home	4-2 W
03/12/22 - Home	8-7 W
+ 5 more games

Orofino is a perfect 10-0 against Bonners Ferry since March of 2021 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Maniacs will be playing in front of their home fans against the Badgers at 2:30 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.

Last Saturday, Orofino made easy work of Northwest Christian School and carried off a 15-4 win. The Maniacs might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five matches by 11 runs or more this season.

The team relied heavily on Ethan Gilmore, who scored two runs while going 3-for-4. Aiden Olive was another key player, scoring three runs while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances.

Meanwhile, Bonners Ferry entered their tilt with Lincoln County on Saturday with two consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with three. They narrowly escaped with a victory as the team sidled past the Lions 10-8.

Stryder Liermann and Keenan Maas did most of the damage at the plate: Liermann scored two runs and stole a base while going 3-for-3, while Maas went 3-for-4 with three RBI and one double.

Bonners Ferry's win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 3-1. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.7 runs over those games. As for Orofino, the win made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 6-2.

Friday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Orofino has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .472. However, it's not like Bonners Ferry struggles in that department as they've averaged .445. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Orofino took their victory against Bonners Ferry when the teams last played back in March of 2024 by a conclusive 14-0 score. Will the Maniacs repeat their success, or do the Badgers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.