White Pine is 0-10 against Needles since May of 2023 but things could change on Friday. The Bobcats will challenge the Mustangs at 1:00 p.m. Both teams are coming into the game red-hot, with White Pine sitting on three straight victories and Needles on six.
White Pine is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Thursday. They came out on top against Lincoln County by a score of 9-6.
Paige Hayward
| 05/08/25 vs Lincoln County | 2 |
| 05/02/25 vs Lake Mead Christian Academy | 2 |
| 04/11/25 vs Laughlin | 2 |
| 04/04/25 @ Awaken Christian | 2 |
| 03/22/25 vs Wells | 1 |
| 03/21/25 vs Lincoln County | 0 |
Paige Hayward spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and three unearned) runs on 11 hits and racked up 11 Ks. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Cecilia Barbosa was a standout: she went 2-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. Kendra Derbidge also deserves some recognition as she hit her first triple of the season.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: White Pine kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least ten hits in three consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, Needles got the win against Awaken Christian on Thursday by a conclusive 14-4. The Mustangs might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 16 matchups by seven runs or more this season.
Scotti Powell was incredible, going 2-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and one stolen base. Peyton Jackson was another key player, going 1-for-3 with three stolen bases, one run, and one RBI.
White Pine's record now sits at 14-11. As for Needles, their record is now 22-6.
Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. White Pine has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .475. However, it's not like Needles struggles in that department as they've averaged .507. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
White Pine suffered a grim 18-8 defeat to Needles in their previous matchup back in April. Can the Bobcats avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
