The Skyview Falcons will square off against the Russell Rustlers at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Skyview is coming into the matchup on a four-game losing streak.
Skyview will face Russell after dropping another heartbreaker against Belgrade on Thursday, which marked the second time in a row the team's come within 2.1 of beating them. The Falcons fell just short of the Panthers by a score of 7-6.
Brooklyn Arce spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and three unearned) runs on nine hits and racked up six Ks.
On the hitting side, Ruby Sheridan led a balanced group of hitters, going 1-for-4 with one home run and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Kenna Pfeifle, who went 3-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Russell came into Tuesday's contest having lost seven straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They had just enough and edged out Great Falls 9-8 on Tuesday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Rustlers have posted since May 25, 2024.
The team relied heavily on Ruby Dean, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and two RBI. Those four hits gave her a new career-high. Kaelyn Wedekind also deserves some recognition as she got her first hit of the season.
Russell lost a few balls and finished the game with four home runs. That's the most home runs they've managed all season.
Skyview's defeat dropped their record down to 6-10. As for Russell, their victory was their first in the region, bumping their region record up to 1-10 and their overall record up to 4-13.
Skyview's speedy runners might be the difference in Saturday's game. The Falcons have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.1 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Russell, though, as they've been averaging only 0.8 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Skyview continue to outrun the ball?
Skyview skirted past Russell 7-6 in their previous matchup back in April. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Falcons since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
