The Rye Thunderbolts will face off against the Peyton Panthers at 1:00 p.m. on Monday. Both teams are coming into the matchup red-hot, with Rye sitting on three straight wins and Peyton on ten.
On Wednesday, Rye got the win against Hoehne by a conclusive 15-1. The Thunderbolts might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven contests by seven runs or more this season.
Branson Burbidge
| 04/29/26 @ Hoehne | 11 |
| 04/24/26 @ Buena Vista | 2 |
| 04/20/26 vs Lamar | 5 |
| 04/17/26 @ Crowley County | 3 |
| 04/13/26 @ Las Animas | 9 |
| + 9 more games |
Branson Burbidge made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out 11 over six innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in May of 2025. He was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with one run and one RBI.
In other batting news, Pierce Burris and Nathan Gray did most of the damage at the plate: Burris got on base in four of his five plate appearances with four stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI, while Gray got on base in all five of his plate appearances with four stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. Burris is becoming a predictor of Rye's success: when he posts at least two stolen bases the team is undefeated (and 7-10 when he doesn't). Another player making a difference was Jackson Bjorum, who went 1-for-4 with one triple, two RBI, and one run.
Rye always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .548. They are a perfect 5-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, it was close, but on Friday Peyton sidestepped Limon for a 6-5 victory.
Like Rye, Peyton also got a great game from a two-way player: Zayden Ebbert. He struck out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and three unearned) runs off six hits. Ebbert was also big at the plate, going a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run and four RBI.
In other batting news, Bryce Love was excellent, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases and two runs. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games he's played.
The win got Rye back to even at 10-10. As for Peyton, their victory bumped their record up to 14-4.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Rye has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.3 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Peyton struggles in that department as they've been averaging 9.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Rye suffered a grim 9-1 defeat to Peyton in their previous matchup back in April of 2025. Will the Thunderbolts have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
