Billings West hasn't had much luck against Glacier recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Golden Bears will venture away from home to challenge the Wolfpack at 2:00 p.m. Billings West is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.2 runs per game this season.
Billings West barely beat Russell the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Golden Bears blew past the Rustlers 15-5 on Thursday. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Golden Bears.
Tatum Bush
| 05/15/25 vs Russell | 4 |
| 04/10/25 @ Gallatin | 2 |
| 05/14/24 @ Skyview | 2 |
| 05/11/24 vs Belgrade | 2 |
| 04/27/24 vs Capital | 2 |
The team relied heavily on Tatum Bush, who fired off two home runs and four RBI while going 2-for-4. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Ryane Viker, who went 2-for-5 with three RBI, two doubles, and one run.
Billings West was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .412. They are a perfect 9-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Meanwhile, Glacier faced Sentinel in a battle between two of the state's top teams last Thursday. The Wolfpack walked away with a 14-11 win over the Spartans. Winning may never get old, but the Wolfpack sure are getting used to it with their third in a row.
Ava Grady looked comfortable as she struck out 11 batters over four innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit (and not a single walk). She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than one walk in eight consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Nakiah Persinger and Taylor Vivian did most of the damage at the plate: Persinger got on base in four of her five plate appearances with three runs, three RBI, and two doubles, while Vivian went 2-for-3 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. That home run was Vivian's first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Kaydee Walcheck, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs and one RBI.
Glacier's victory was their seventh straight at home, which pushed their record up to 16-3. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.1 runs over those games. As for Billings West, their record now sits at 13-6.
Thursday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Billings West hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .345. However, it's not like Glacier struggles in that department as they've averaged .384. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
