The Lincoln County Lynx will head out to face off against the Needles Mustangs at 11:00 a.m. on Friday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.
Lincoln County took a 18-run defeat the last time they faced off against White Pine, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. Lincoln County narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past White Pine 16-15. The game was the first time the Lynx have beaten the Bobcats on their field since March 11, 2023.
Meanwhile, Needles came tearing into Friday's contest with four straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 10.3 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They were the clear victors by a 14-1 margin over the Lions. The Mustangs might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five matchups by ten runs or more this season.
Holden Jones and Brayden Baca were a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Jones tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Meanwhile, Baca tossed 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. That's the fewest hits Jones has allowed since back in May of 2024. At bat, Jones scored two runs while going 1-for-3, while Baca scored two runs and stole a base while going 1-for-2. Jones is becoming a predictor of Needles' success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 3-5-1 when he doesn't).
In other batting news, Robert Tapia was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, four RBI, and one double. He continues to improve, besting his previous point total in each of the last three games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Hudson Smith, who went 1-for-2 with one triple, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Needles kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. That's a new trend for them: they were averaging 5.5 hits per game earlier this season, but in their last 15 games they've averaged 9.6.
Lincoln County has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 5-5 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.6 runs over those games. Needles' record is now 7-5-1.
Lincoln County might still be hurting after the 15-0 loss they got from Needles in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Can Lincoln County avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
