The Preston Indians will head out to face off against the Marsh Valley Eagles at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Preston will be looking to extend their current five-game winning streak.
Preston had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 19-run drubbing they dealt Snake River on Wednesday. The Indians were the clear victors by a 20-1 margin over the Panthers. Considering the Indians have won eight contests by more than nine runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Ellie Keller was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she pitched three innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI.
In other batting news, Averie Madsen was a standout: she went a perfect 3-for-3 with three stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. Sasha Haslam was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one triple.
Preston always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .719. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Snake River only posted an OBP of .182.
Meanwhile, Marsh Valley suffered their closest loss since March 26th on Tuesday. They fell just short of Bear Lake by a score of 10-8. The Eagles have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Like Preston, Marsh Valley also got a great game from a two-way player: Hazel Sorensen. She pitched four innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off two hits. Sorensen was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with one triple, two RBI, and one run.
In other batting news, Olivia Campbell was cooking despite her team's loss, going 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI.
Preston's record now sits at 18-1. As for Marsh Valley, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-12-1.
Friday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Preston hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .446. However, it's not like Marsh Valley struggles in that department as they've averaged .323. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Preston got the 'W' in their previous matchup two weeks ago against Marsh Valley by a conclusive 14-4 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Indians since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
