Baseball Game Preview: Lathrop Malemutes vs. North Pole Patriots

The Lathrop Malemutes will venture away from home to challenge the North Pole Patriots at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Lathrop has given up an average of 12.8 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Lathrop is headed into Thursday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game last Friday. They lost 17-8 to Wasilla.

Koby Sullivan made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and got on base in all three of his plate appearances with one run and one RBI. Jared Sabey was another key player, going 1-for-2 with one run and one RBI.

Meanwhile, North Pole faced West Valley in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Friday. The Patriots came up short against the Wolf Pack, falling 12-2. The loss continues a trend for the Patriots in their meetings with the Wolf Pack: they've now lost four in a row.

Caleb Korhonen was cooking despite his team's loss, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one triple, one run, and one double. He also put up an RBI, which was his first of the season.

Lathrop's defeat dropped their record down to 1-3. As for North Pole, their loss dropped their record down to 2-5.

Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Lathrop has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .482. However, it's not like North Pole struggles in that department as they've averaged .432. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Lathrop couldn't quite finish off North Pole in their previous matchup back in May of 2024 and fell 3-1. Can the Malemutes avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.