Salida hasn't had much luck against Lamar recently, but that could start to change on Saturday. The Spartans will welcome the Thunder at 12:00 p.m. Salida is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.2 runs per game this season.
Salida will roll into the matchup after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any runs last Tuesday, then bounced right back against Sand Creek on Monday. The Spartans were the clear victors by a 14-6 margin over the Scorpions. The result was nothing new for the Spartans, who have now won four contests by eight runs or more so far this season.
Brody Hudson
| 04/21/25 @ Sand Creek | 4 |
| 04/12/25 vs Manitou Springs | 3 |
| 04/30/24 vs Buena Vista | 3 |
| 04/12/24 vs Florence | 3 |
| 04/12/25 vs Manitou Springs | 2 |
Brody Hudson was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he tossed 3.1 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He also tossed a walk, which is notable because Salida is 4-1 when he allows at most one walk, but 3-5 otherwise. Hudson was also stellar in the batter's box, going 4-for-5 with four runs, four RBI, and one double. Those four hits gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Canin Becker, who went 4-for-5 with three RBI, one run, and one double. Those four hits gave him a new career-high. Hudson Fisher was another key player, going 3-for-5 with three runs.
Salida kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 20 hits. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Lamar beat Burlington 6-1 on Tuesday. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Thunder.
Alex Williams spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned run on three hits and racked up 12 Ks. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in four consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Cael Buxton was excellent, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. Another player making a difference was Axton Morales, who went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run.
Lamar pushed their record up to 11-5 with the victory, which was their 13th straight at home dating back to last season. The home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.2 runs on average over those games. As for Salida, they now have a winning record of 7-6.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Saturday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Salida has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.1 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Lamar struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Salida suffered a grim 20-8 defeat to Lamar in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Can the Spartans avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
