Fairfield hasn't had much luck against Pleasant Grove recently, but that could start to change on Saturday. The Tigers will face off against the Spartans at 10:00 a.m. Fairfield has given up an average of 8.1 runs per game this season, but Saturday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Fairfield is headed into Saturday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Thursday. They came up short against Indian Springs, falling 17-9.
Justin Murray put in work while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he tossed 3.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off five hits. Murray was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
Jalen Kidd
| 03/11/25 @ Woodlawn | 6 |
| 03/25/25 vs Woodlawn | 4 |
| 04/10/25 vs Indian Springs | 2 |
| 03/26/25 @ Holt | 1 |
| 03/03/25 vs Wenonah | 1 |
In other batting news, Jalen Kidd made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored two runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-3. He has become a key player for Fairfield: the team is 2-1 when he posts at least two stolen bases, but 6-10 otherwise. Frederick Molden also deserves some recognition as he got his first hit of the season.
Meanwhile, after low-scoring totals in their previous three contests, Pleasant Grove brought some dynamite into their most recent contest. They were the clear victors by a 13-3 margin over Indian Springs on Friday. The win was a breath of fresh air for the Spartans as it put an end to their four-game losing streak.
Like Fairfield, Pleasant Grove also got a great game from a two-way player: Pheonix Lewis. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Lewis was also big at the plate, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 1-for-1. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, Pleasant Grove let Timothy Blue and Jordan Walker run wild. Blue scored four runs and stole three bases while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances, while Walker went a perfect 4-for-4 with five RBI and one run. Those four hits gave Walker a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Zion Barney, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 1-for-2.
Pleasant Grove was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .450. They are a perfect 6-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Pleasant Grove's record now sits at 9-14. As for Fairfield, their loss dropped their record down to 8-11.
Saturday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Fairfield has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .482. However, it's not like Pleasant Grove struggles in that department as they've averaged .478. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Fairfield came up short against Pleasant Grove in their previous meeting back in March, falling 14-9. Can the Tigers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
