The Payson Longhorns will head out to challenge the Northwest Christian Crusaders at 3:45 p.m. on Friday. Payson will be strutting in after a victory while Northwest Christian will be coming in after a loss.
Payson took a loss when they played away from home on Monday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Tuesday. They came out on top against Benjamin Franklin by a score of 9-5.
Logann Prock
| 04/15/25 vs Benjamin Franklin | 3 |
| 04/14/25 @ Bourgade Catholic | 2 |
| 03/25/25 @ Benjamin Franklin | 2 |
| 03/19/25 @ San Tan Foothills | 2 |
| 03/18/25 vs Globe | 2 |
Holdyn Waterman and Logann Prock did most of the damage at the plate: Waterman went 2-for-4 with three RBI, one triple, and one run, while Prock scored two runs while going 3-for-3. Those three hits gave Prock a new career-high. Danica Peters also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.
Payson was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .417. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .400 or higher in three consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, Northwest Christian unfortunately witnessed the end of their six-game winning streak on Tuesday. They fell just short of Bourgade Catholic by a score of 17-15. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest defeat the Crusaders have suffered since February 22, 2024.
Kinsey Unger stepped up to lead a balanced group of hitters: she went 4-for-5 with four runs, three RBI, and two doubles. She is on a roll when it comes to hits, as she's now got three or more in each of the last seven games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Ella Reuter, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI.
Payson's win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 11-9. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.7 runs over those games. As for Northwest Christian, their loss dropped their record down to 13-5.
Friday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Payson hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .391. However, it's not like Northwest Christian struggles in that department as they've averaged .442. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Payson suffered a grim 17-8 defeat to Northwest Christian in their previous meeting back in March. Can the Longhorns avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
