The Cherokee Trail Cougars will head out to face off against the Mullen Mustangs at 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Cherokee Trail will be strutting in after a win while Mullen will be coming in after a loss.
Cherokee Trail came out on top against Eaglecrest on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive six-run seventh inning. The Cougars were the clear victors by a 9-2 margin over the Raptors.
The team relied heavily on Logan Kruse, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with two runs, one double, and one RBI. Braden Anderson was another key player, going 2-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Cherokee Trail kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least 11 hits in six consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, Mullen was not able to break out of their rough patch on Saturday as the team picked up their fifth straight defeat. They were two runs away from ending the streak, but they lost a 14-12 heartbreaker at the hands of Eaglecrest. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest loss the Mustangs have suffered against the Raptors since May 5, 2022.
Brady Hirsh led a balanced group of hitters, going a perfect 4-for-4 with five RBI, two runs, and two doubles. The team also got some help courtesy of Gavin Marsh, who went 4-for-5 with four runs, two doubles, and one stolen base.
Mullen's defeat dropped their record down to 7-14. As for Cherokee Trail, their victory bumped their record up to an identical 7-14.
Tuesday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Cherokee Trail hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .319. However, it's not like Mullen struggles in that department as they've averaged .327. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Cherokee Trail's way against Mullen in their previous matchup back in May of 2025, as Cherokee Trail made off with a 13-1 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Cougars since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
