Preston and Malad are an even 4-4 against one another since April of 2017, but likely not for long. The Indians will host the Dragons at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Preston is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 10.9 runs per game this season.
Preston took a loss when they played away from home on Wednesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Thursday. They came out on top against Century by a score of 9-5.
Ezra Benevidez
| 03/19/26 vs Kimberly | 3 |
| 03/14/26 vs Snake River | 3 |
| 04/09/26 vs Century | 2 |
| 04/08/26 @ Century | 2 |
| 04/08/26 @ Century | 2 |
| + 6 more games |
Ezra Benevidez was incredible, going 1-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. He has become a key player for Preston: the team is 7-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 1-5-1 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Conner Thomson, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs, one double, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Malad entered their tilt with Challis on Saturday with four consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with five. They put the hurt on the Vikings with a sharp 13-6 win. Considering the Dragons have won nine contests by more than six runs this season, Saturday's blowout was nothing new.
Brooks Blaisdell made a splash while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than one hit in four consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in two of his three plate appearances with one stolen base and one run.
In other batting news, Ethan Horsley was a standout: he went a perfect 2-for-2 with three stolen bases, two runs, and one double. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in May of 2025. Kyson Willie was another key player, going 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Malad always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .657. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Preston's victory bumped their record up to 8-6-1. As for Malad, their win bumped their record up to 11-3.
Tuesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Preston hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .313. However, it's not like Malad struggles in that department as they've averaged .336. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Preston beat Malad 10-5 in their previous matchup back in April of 2025. Will the Indians repeat their success, or do the Dragons have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
