The Payson Longhorns will head out to square off against the Chinle Wildcats at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday. Payson is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9 runs per game this season.
Having struggled with five defeats in a row, Payson turned things around against ALA - Ironwood on Monday. They came out on top against the Warriors by a score of 9-5.
Nathan Tsosie looked comfortable as he pitched 1.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Payson is undefeated when Tsosie allows one or fewer hits, but 6-7 otherwise.

Hunter Hoff
04/07/25 vs ALA - Ironwood | 3 |
02/26/25 @ Highland Prep | 3 |
02/27/25 vs Tonopah Valley | 2 |
03/31/25 @ Gilbert Christian | 1 |
03/20/25 @ Camp Verde | 1 |
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Hunter Hoff, who scored three runs and stole two bases while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. He is becoming a predictor of Payson's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 6-7 when he doesn't). Landon Hansen was another key player, going 1-for-3 with one home run and two RBI.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Chinle). They were the clear victors by a 19-1 margin over Window Rock on Wednesday. Winning may never get old, but the Wildcats sure are getting used to it with their third in a row.
Hage Tsosie and Mackaden Arthur made a splash no matter where they played. Throwing, Tsosie pitched 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Arthur tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Tsosie has been consistent for a while: he hasn't given up more than two walks in nine consecutive appearances. At the plate, Tsosie scored three runs and stole four bases while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances, while Arthur went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs. That's the most RBI Arthur has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, Kaleb Guy was incredible, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-2. What's more, he posted two RBI, the most he's had since back in April of 2024. Wyatt James also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Chinle was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .593. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .379 or higher in three consecutive contests.
Chinle pushed their record up to 11-8 with the victory, which was their third straight at home. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.0 runs over those games. As for Payson, their record is now 9-7.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Payson has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.7 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Chinle struggles in that department as they've been averaging 5.4 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Payson beat Chinle 4-0 when the teams last played back in April of 2018. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Longhorns since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.