The Payson Lions will venture away from home to challenge the Syracuse Titans at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Payson proved they can win big on Tuesday (they won by ten) and on Wednesday they proved they can win the close ones too. They had just enough and edged out Maple Mountain 15-14.
Myra Andrew was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing 4.2 innings while giving up just one earned (and four unearned) runs off three hits. Andrew was also solid in the batter's box, scoring four runs and stealing Two bases.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Paisley Beckstead, who scored five runs and stole Two bases. while going 4-for-4. The team also got some help courtesy of Anna Marvin, who went 3-for-5 with one home run, two stolen bases, and three runs.
Payson was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .405. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Maple Mountain only posted a batting average of .250.
Meanwhile, Syracuse gave their fans exactly what they wanted out of a home opener on Tuesday. Everything went their way against Viewmont as Syracuse made off with a 6-0 victory. The win was a breath of fresh air for the Titans as it put an end to their four-game losing streak dating back to last season.
Haydin Giatras tossed a big game, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out eight over six innings pitched.
At the plate, Grace Thomas was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBI, one triple, and one run. Oaklee Derrickson was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing Three bases. while getting on base in two of her six plate appearances.
Payson skirted past Syracuse 3-1 when the teams last played back in March of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for Payson since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
