The Rifle Bears will head out to take on the Basalt Longhorns at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Rifle is coming into the matchup hot, having won their last 11 games.
Rifle took a ten-run loss the last time they faced off against Delta, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Bears came out on top in a nail-biter against the Panthers on Thursday, sneaking past 16-15.
Gia Keithley
| 10/02/25 vs Delta | 3 |
| 09/27/25 vs Montezuma-Cortez | 2 |
| 09/26/25 vs Durango | 1 |
| 09/26/25 vs Durango | 1 |
| 09/23/25 @ Eagle Valley | 2 |
| + 5 more games |
Gia Keithley was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She struck out seven batters over 5.1 innings while giving up four earned (and four unearned) runs off four hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in five consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 1-for-1 with three RBI and one double. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in September.
In other batting news, Rifle got a massive performance out of Aaliyah Mangnall, who went 3-for-5 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. That's the most runs Mangnall has posted since back in August. Another player making a difference was Katherine Santana, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI.
Rifle kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 17 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least 14 hits in four consecutive games.
Meanwhile, after low-scoring totals in their previous four contest, Basalt brought some dynamite into their most recent matchup. Everything went their way against Aspen on Thursday as they made off with an 18-2 win. Considering the Longhorns' hitters had been struggling lately, the high-scoring outing was a much-needed turnaround.
Sydney Ostberg was a standout: she went a perfect 3-for-3 with three stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. Ava Gomes was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with three RBI, two runs, and one stolen base.
Rifle's record is now 16-4. As for Basalt, their record now sits at 5-15.
Tuesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Rifle has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .523. However, it's not like Basalt struggles in that department as they've averaged .477. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Rifle was able to grind out a solid victory over Basalt in their previous meeting back in October of 2024, winning 9-4. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Bears since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
