Caldwell hasn't had much luck against Middleton recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Cougars will challenge the Vikings at 7:00 p.m. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Caldwell took a six-run loss the last time they faced off against Meridian, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Cougars sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 5-3 win over the Warriors on Wednesday. While the Cougars didn't have the best season last year (they finished 10-16), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Rylie Felton
| 03/25/26 @ Meridian | 9 |
| 03/21/26 vs Moscow | 12 |
| 03/20/26 vs Parma | 5 |
Rylie Felton was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off five hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with one home run. That home run was her first of the season.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Nancy Dramitinos, who went 1-for-2 with two runs and one double. That double marked the first that she has hit this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Bristol Runnels, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base and two RBI.
Meanwhile, after only two runs in their last game, Middleton made sure to put some runs up on the board against Timberline on Thursday. The Vikings blew past the Wolves 14-2. Considering the Vikings have won seven matchups by more than seven runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Like Caldwell, Middleton also got a great game from a two-way player: Averi Gustafson. She struck out 12 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off six hits (and only one walk). Those 12 strikeouts gave Gustafson a new career-high. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
In other batting news, Middleton got a massive performance out of Haylee Hultner, who went 4-for-5 with three runs, one triple, and one stolen base. Those four hits gave Hultner a new career-high. Samantha Miller was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two triples, two RBI, and one run.
Middleton was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .462. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Timberline only posted a batting average of .214.
Middleton has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 9-2 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.7 runs over those games. As for Caldwell, their record is now 6-4.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Caldwell has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Middleton struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Caldwell suffered a grim 12-1 defeat to Middleton when the teams last played back in April of 2025. Can the Cougars avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
