The Custer County Bobcats will take on the Kiowa Indians at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Custer County took a loss when they played away from home on Friday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Saturday. They blew past Hinkley 17-7. The victory was a breath of fresh air for the Bobcats as it put an end to their three-game losing streak.
The team relied heavily on Taylor Bradford, who went a perfect 5-for-5 with one home run, five RBI, and three runs. That's the most RBI he has posted over his last ten matchups. Another player making a difference was Colt Moulton, who went 3-for-4 with three runs, four RBI, and one double.
Custer County was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .516. They are 6-2 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Meanwhile, Kiowa had already won three in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 12.7 runs) and they went ahead and made it four on Monday. Everything went their way against the Pioneers as they made off with a 21-1 win.
Caden Watt was incredible, going 3-for-4 with five RBI, three runs, and two doubles. He is becoming a predictor of Kiowa's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 5-1 (and 4-6 when he doesn't). Austin Brogger was another key player, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with four runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Custer County pushed their record up to 8-9 with the victory, which was their third straight at home. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 16.7 runs over those games. As for Kiowa, their record now sits at 9-7.
Tuesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Custer County hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .429. However, it's not like Kiowa struggles in that department as they've averaged .326. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Custer County might still be hurting after the 16-3 defeat they got from Kiowa when the teams last played back in March. Can the Bobcats avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
