Gallatin County hasn't had much luck against Hardin County recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Hawks will face off against the Cougars at 4:30 p.m. Gallatin County is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 10.2 runs per game this season.
Gallatin County will roll into the matchup after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any runs on Monday, then bounced right back against Pope County on Tuesday. The Hawks blew past the Pirates 21-1. The Hawks might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won four contests by eight runs or more this season.
Casen Steele was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He didn't allow a single earned run while striking out eight over five innings pitched. Those eight strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-5 with one home run, three runs, and two doubles. That home run was his first of the season.
Max Brockett
| 03/31/26 @ Pope County | 7 |
| 03/19/26 vs Sparta | 3 |
| 05/07/25 vs Carrier Mills-Stonefort | 3 |
| 03/24/26 @ Norris City-Omaha-Enfield | 2 |
| 04/17/25 @ Norris City-Omaha-Enfield | 1 |
In other batting news, Max Brockett was incredible, firing off two home runs and seven RBI while going 2-for-4. Those seven RBI gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Skylar Barnett, who went 3-for-5 with two stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI.
Gallatin County always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .545. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Pope County only posted an OBP of .320.
Meanwhile, it was a proper cat-fight when Hardin County challenged Herrin on Wednesday. The Cougars fell just short of the Tigers by a score of 2-1.
Gallatin County's record now sits at 4-2. As for Hardin County, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-4.
Hardin County's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Gallatin County has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .459. It's a different story for Hardin County, though, as they've only averaged .283. Will they be able to contain Gallatin County's hitters?
Gallatin County couldn't quite get it done against Hardin County in their previous matchup back in April of 2025 as they fell 8-4. Can the Hawks avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
