The Hurricane Tigers will challenge the Payson Lions at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Hurricane is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.1 runs per game this season.
Hurricane is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They walked away with a 10-6 victory over Uintah.
Austin Terry spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and two unearned) runs on ten hits.
On the hitting side, Ashlyn Hirschi and Addi Lauritzen did most of the damage at the plate: Hirschi went 2-for-4 with two doubles, one stolen base, and one run, while Lauritzen went 2-for-3 with two runs and one RBI. That's the most doubles Hirschi has posted over her last 11 games. Faith Fuller was another key player, going 1-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Payson narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past Mountain Crest 7-6. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Lions.
Peyton Staheli looked comfortable as she tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits.
At the plate, Paisley Beckstead was incredible, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. The team also got some help courtesy of Allie Callahan, who went 2-for-4 with one home run.
Payson hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Mountain Crest struck out eight times.
Hurricane has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 15-18 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.8 runs over those games. As for Payson, their record is now 21-6.
Tuesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Hurricane has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .452. However, it's not like Payson struggles in that department as they've averaged .447. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Hurricane might still be hurting after the 13-1 defeat they got from Payson when the teams last played two weeks ago. Can the Tigers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
