Lions
| 04/22/25 vs Provo | 17 |
| 04/21/25 @ Mountain View | 3 |
| 04/15/25 @ Timpanogos | 16 |
| 04/12/25 vs American Fork | 7 |
| 04/12/25 vs Alta | 12 |
| + 15 more games |
Payson is on a four-game streak of home wins, while Orem is on a three-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. The Lions will welcome the Tigers at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. Payson is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 10.4 runs per game this season.
Payson had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 15-run drubbing they dealt Provo on Tuesday. The Lions put the hurt on the Bulldogs with a sharp 17-2 victory. The win continues a trend for the Lions in their matchups with the Bulldogs: they've now won six in a row.
Ella Watkins looked comfortable as she pitched three innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits.
At the plate, Payson got a massive performance out of Paisley Beckstead, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with six RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. Another player making a difference was Lexie Harmer, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one double.
Payson always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .720. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Tuesday just wasn't the day for Orem's offense. They came up short against Uintah on Tuesday, falling 8-0. The Tigers' defeat signaled the end of their four-game winning streak.
Kiley Hoshnic spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered seven earned (and one unearned) runs on seven hits and racked up seven Ks.
Payson's victory bumped their record up to 16-4. As for Orem, their loss dropped their record down to 14-9.
Thursday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Payson hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .369. However, it's not like Orem struggles in that department as they've averaged .354. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Payson came out on top in a nail-biter against Orem in their previous meeting two weeks ago, sneaking past 8-7. Do the Lions have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Tigers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
