Payson is 0-10 against Spanish Fork since April of 2016 but things could change on Friday. The Lions will square off against the Dons at 7:00 p.m. Payson is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.5 runs per game this season.
Having struggled with three losses in a row, Payson turned things around against Wasatch on Thursday. They walked away with a 9-5 win over the Wasps.
Payson got a massive performance out of Ty Marvin, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, four runs, and one double. That's the most hits Marvin has posted since back in March. Brigzen Houser also deserves some recognition as he launched his first home run of the season.
Payson was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .471. They are a perfect 7-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Meanwhile, Spanish Fork won against Salem Hills on Tuesday with 12 runs and they decided to stick to that run total again on Thursday. The Dons blew past the Skyhawks 12-2. The Dons might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 13 matchups by six runs or more this season.
Kayden Lambson spent all six innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered two runs (both of which were unearned) on four hits and racked up nine Ks. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Nixon Warren, who went 2-for-4 with five RBI, two runs, and one triple. The team also got some help courtesy of Cohen Nelson, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Payson's record is now 14-8. As for Spanish Fork, their record now sits at 20-3.
Fans could be in store for some top-tier slugging on Friday. Payson hasn't had any problems when it comes to power this season, having averaged 0.5 home runs per game. However, it's not like Spanish Fork struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 0.6 home runs. With so much power on both teams, it'll be down to the pitchers to keep the mound locked down.
Payson couldn't quite finish off Spanish Fork in their previous meeting back in May of 2021 and fell 4-2. Can the Lions avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
