The Bear River Bears will head out to square off against the Timpanogos Timberwolves at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Bear River is currently enjoying a perfect season and no doubt wants to keep things rolling.
Bear River had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the ten-run drubbing they dealt Bountiful on Tuesday. The Bears put the hurt on the Redhawks with a sharp 11-1 win. The result was nothing new for the Bears, who have now won five games by six runs or more so far this season.
Stephen Starnes spent all six innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered a run (which was unearned) on zero hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two hits in three consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Broxton Gardner, who went 2-for-4 with two runs, two doubles, and two RBI. Dallen Rice was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Bear River hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least five batters every time they've taken the field this season.
Meanwhile, Timpanogos narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past Alta 3-2. That's two games straight that the Timberwolves have won by just one run.
Corbin Hardy made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned runs off five hits (and only one walk). Hardy was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with one double and one RBI. That double was his first of the season.
Bear River's record now sits at 8-0. As for Timpanogos, their record is now 7-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Bear River has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Timpanogos struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 6.9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Bear River skirted past Timpanogos 4-2 when the teams last played back in March of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Bears since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
