The Rye Thunderbolts will head out on the road to take on the Front Range Christian Falcons at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Rye knows how to get runs on the board -- the squad has finished with ten runs or more in their past four contests -- so hopefully Front Range Christian likes a good challenge.
On Monday, Rye made easy work of Peyton and carried off a 12-2 win. The result was nothing new for the Thunderbolts, who have now won eight games by seven runs or more so far this season.
Branson Burbidge made a splash while hitting and pitching. He struck out 11 batters over five innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits. Burbidge was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with three runs, three RBI, and one double. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in March.
Pierce Burris
| 05/04/26 vs Peyton | 4 |
| 04/29/26 @ Hoehne | 2 |
| 04/29/26 @ Hoehne | 2 |
| 04/25/26 @ Rangely | 2 |
| 04/17/26 @ Crowley County | 2 |
In other batting news, Pierce Burris was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs and one stolen base. Those four hits gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Casen Middlestadt, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
Rye was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .385. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .321 or higher in four consecutive matchups.
Front Range Christian hadn't beaten Byers on the road since March 21, 2019 but that history sure didn't bother them on Monday. The Falcons sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 12-10 victory over the Bulldogs. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Falcons have posted since April 26, 2025.
Max Morton made a big impact no matter where he played. On the mound, he tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Front Range Christian is 5-2 when he allows at most one earned run, but 4-5 otherwise. Morton was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with one stolen base and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Haedan Morton, who went 3-for-4 with three stolen bases, four RBI, and one triple. Front Range Christian is undefeated when Morton posts three or more RBI, but 6-7 otherwise. Micah Parker was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with four runs and two stolen bases.
Rye now has a winning record of 11-10. As for Front Range Christian, their record is now 9-7.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Rye has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.4 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Front Range Christian struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
