Baseball Game Preview: Grangeville Bulldogs vs. Priest River Spartans

For the second straight game, Grangeville will face off against Priest River. The Bulldogs will take on the Spartans at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. Grangeville is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 10.1 runs per game this season.

Grangeville will roll into the game after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up one run on Tuesday, then bounced right back against Priest River on Friday. The Bulldogs put the hurt on the Spartans with a sharp 22-9 win. The Bulldogs haven't had any issues with the Spartans recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive victory against them.

Thayn Williams made a splash while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over 4.2 innings while giving up just one earned (and four unearned) runs off six hits. Williams was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in three of his six plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. He is becoming a predictor of Grangeville's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 2-6 when he doesn't).

David Goicoa

Stolen Base (Career)

04/18/25 @ Priest River	4
03/27/25 @ Kellogg	1
03/27/25 @ Kellogg	1
04/09/24 @ Clearwater Valley	1
03/16/24 vs Priest River	1

In other batting news, David Goicoa was a standout: he went 4-for-5 with four stolen bases, five RBI, and two runs. Those four stolen bases gave him a new career-high. Cooper Poxleitner was another key player, getting on base in five of his six plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI.

Grangeville kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 20 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.

Grangeville's record is now 10-6. As for Priest River, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost seven of their last nine matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-9 record this season.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Saturday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Grangeville has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.5 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Priest River struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.