The Challis Vikings will head out on the road to face off against the North Fremont Huskies at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday.
Challis came into their game on Tuesday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They lost 9-0 to Firth. The game marked the first time this year in which the Vikings were not able to get on the board.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for North Fremont, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Tuesday. They were the clear victors by a 9-2 margin over West Jefferson on Wednesday. The Huskies not only won on Wednesday, but they posted their biggest win since April 9th (when they won 19-6).
Benny Torres and Hunter Hogle made a splash no matter where they played. Throwing, Torres pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Hogle didn't allow a single earned run over five innings pitched. What's more, he posted five strikeouts, the most he's had since back in April of 2024. At bat, Torres got on base in three of his four plate appearances with four stolen bases and three runs, while Hogle went 2-for-3 with three stolen bases and one run. Torres has become a key player for North Fremont: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two stolen bases, but 3-8-1 otherwise.
In other batting news, North Fremont got a massive performance out of Saul Labra, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with four stolen bases, two runs, and one double. That's the most hits Labra has posted since back in March. The team also got some help courtesy of Reuger Lenz, who went 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, one run, and one RBI.
North Fremont was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .423. They are 4-1 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Challis' loss ended a five-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 11-6-1. As for North Fremont, their record is now 6-8-1.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Challis has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .470. However, it's not like North Fremont 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.
Challis skirted past North Fremont 2-0 when the teams last played back in March. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Vikings since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
