The Hillcrest Knights will face off against the Blackfoot Broncos at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Hillcrest knows how to get runs on the board -- the team has finished with ten runs or more in their past four contests -- so hopefully Blackfoot likes a good challenge.
On Wednesday, Hillcrest earned a 12-7 win over Skyline. That's two games straight that the Knights have won by exactly five runs.
Marki Chilton was excellent, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, four RBI, and one triple. Another player making a difference was Kenna Wallis, who went 3-for-4 with five RBI and one stolen base.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Hillcrest kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. They are 11-1 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Blackfoot, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Wednesday. They were the clear victors by an 18-2 margin over Idaho Falls on Thursday. The result was nothing new for the Broncos, who have now won eight games by nine runs or more so far this season.
Brianna Reynolds was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she pitched four innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one walk in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with two RBI.
In other batting news, Blackfoot let Emma McGuire and Traylee Reid run wild. McGuire went a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI, while Reid went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, four runs, and three RBI. Those four runs gave Reid a new career-high. Mady Olsen also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.
Blackfoot has been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 13-7 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 14.5 runs over those games. As for Hillcrest, their record now sits at 13-8.
Tuesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Hillcrest has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .493. However, it's not like Blackfoot struggles in that department as they've averaged .436. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Hillcrest might still be hurting after the 12-2 loss they got from Blackfoot in their previous matchup back in May of 2025. Can the Knights avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
