Baseball Game Preview: Cripple Creek-Victor Pioneers vs. Elbert Bulldogs

Cripple Creek-Victor is 0-7 against Elbert since April of 2015 but things could change on Thursday. The Pioneers will be playing at home against the Bulldogs at 4:00 p.m. Cripple Creek-Victor will be strutting in after a win while Elbert will be coming in after a defeat.

Cripple Creek-Victor made up a huge gap compared to their last game against Cotopaxi, but they still couldn't quite topple them. The Pioneers put the hurt on the Pirates with a sharp 9-2 victory on Tuesday.

Dylan Reyes spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered just two earned runs on five hits and racked up 13 Ks.

On the hitting side, Brandon Witt was excellent, scoring two runs while going 3-for-4. Another player making a difference was Chase Renner, who scored a run while getting on base in four of his seven plate appearances.

Meanwhile, Elbert scored the most runs they've had this season on Tuesday, but it wasn't enough. They lost 20-13 to Kiowa. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Bulldogs have suffered against the Indians since April 25, 2017.

Grant Smith was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring three runs and stealing four bases while going 2-for-5. Elbert is 2-1 when Smith posts two or more runs, but 0-5 otherwise. Sam Cornell was another key player, going 2-for-3 with three RBI, one triple, and one stolen base.

Elbert has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 2-6 record this season. As for Cripple Creek-Victor, their win bumped their record up to 2-4.

Cripple Creek-Victor might still be hurting after the 14-3 defeat they got from Elbert in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can the Pioneers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.