The Timberline Wolves will take on the Middleton Vikings at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. The timing isn't great for Timberline: they have been struggling with nine straight losses at home, while Middleton has snatched up five consecutive wins on the road.
Timberline not only won on Tuesday, but they posted their biggest win since March 12th. They put the hurt on Meridian with a sharp 14-2 win. With that victory, the Wolves brought their scoring average up to 6.4 runs per game.
Timberline got a great performance from Vinny Peters as he struck out six batters over five innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits. Peters has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks any time he's pitched this season.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Isaac Mills, who scored three runs and stole two bases while going 3-for-4. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April of 2024. Logan Thistle was another key player, going 2-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one double.
Timberline kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They are 2-1 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Middleton faced Rocky Mountain in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Tuesday. The Vikings never let the Grizzlies get on the board and left with a 6-0 win. The Vikings might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won four matchups by six runs or more this season.
Ian Lenius tossed a big game, not allowing a single earned run while striking out 11 over six innings pitched.
On the hitting side, Drew Holman was excellent, going 1-for-3 with one home run and two RBI. That home run was his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Jeremiah Keithley, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI.
Middleton's victory bumped their record up to 9-3. As for Timberline, their win bumped their record up to 4-10.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Timberline has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.8 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Middleton struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 4 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Timberline might still be hurting after the 15-2 defeat they got from Middleton in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Wolves avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
