Baseball Recap: Batesville Triumphs

Batesville won the last time they faced Heber Springs and things went their way on Monday too. The Pioneers walked away with a 14-11 win over the Panthers. That's two games straight that the Pioneers have won by exactly three runs.

Hayes Kibe

Hits (Career)

04/14/25 @ Heber Springs	3
04/11/25 @ Harrison	2
04/01/25 @ West Memphis	2
04/01/25 @ West Memphis	2
03/18/25 vs Paragould	1

Hayes Kibe was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Batesville is 5-2 when he allows at most two earned runs, but 4-5 otherwise. Kibe was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-5 with three RBI. Those three hits gave him a new career-high.

In other batting news, Gabe Bledsoe was incredible, scoring two runs and stealing three bases while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances. He is becoming a predictor of Batesville's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 7-1 (and 2-6 when he doesn't). Cole Bentz was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4.

The victory made it two in a row for Batesville and bumps their season record up to 9-7. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.5 runs over those games. As for Heber Springs, they have been struggling recently as they've lost nine of their last ten contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 5-13 record this season.

Batesville will head out to face off against Greene County Tech at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The Golden Eagles' pitching crew has only allowed 3.5 runs per game this season, so the Pioneers' hitters will have their work cut out for them. As for Heber Springs, they will square off against Robinson at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.