The Draper APA Eagles are taking a road trip to challenge the Intermountain Christian Lions at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Draper APA can't be too worried about heading out to take on Intermountain Christian: they just beat American Heritage at home, who had been dominant on their own field up to that point. The Eagles skirted past the Patriots 14-12. The game was the first time the Eagles have beaten the Patriots on their field since September 10, 2019.
Draper APA got a massive performance out of Graham Lowe, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with four stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. That's the most stolen bases Lowe has posted since back in August. Another player making a difference was Kason Crafts, who went a perfect 5-for-5 with four runs and two RBI.
Draper APA kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 20 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, Intermountain Christian got the win against Utah Military Academy - Hill Field on Thursday by a conclusive 14-6. The result was nothing new for the Lions, who have now won 16 matchups by eight runs or more so far this season.
Jackson Smith made a big impact no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out six batters over four innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off four hits. Smith was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases and two runs. He has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last four times he's played.
In other batting news, Intermountain Christian let David Reist and Brayden Bogle run wild. Reist went 3-for-4 with three runs, three RBI, and one stolen base, while Bogle went 2-for-4 with five RBI, one triple, and one stolen base. Reist is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last 16 games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Wyatt Furze, who got on base in three of his five plate appearances with two stolen bases and two runs.
Draper APA is on a roll lately: they've won seven of their last nine contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 12-6 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 14.8 runs over those games. As for Intermountain Christian, their record is now 18-2.
Monday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Draper APA has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .639. However, it's not like Intermountain Christian struggles in that department as they've averaged .518. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Draper APA came out on top in a nail-biter against Intermountain Christian in their previous matchup on Tuesday, sneaking past 14-13. Do the Eagles have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Lions turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
