Bears
| 10/08/25 vs Palisade | 8-4 |
| 10/02/25 vs Delta | 16-15 |
| 09/27/25 vs Montezuma-Cortez | 13-4 |
| 09/27/25 vs Montezuma-Cortez | 12-0 |
| 09/26/25 vs Durango | 15-3 |
| + 3 more games |
Rifle had won eight straight at home, but on Wednesday they bumped up to 18-4 to make it nine. They came out on top against the Palisade Bulldogs by a score of 8-4. This was a revenge game for the Bears: when they faced off against the Bulldogs back in September, they had to take a 7-6 loss.
Gia Keithley made a splash no matter where she played. She struck out six batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off four hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one double. Those two stolen bases gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Brynn Axelson, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with two runs, one double, and one RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in September of 2024. Aaliyah Mangnall was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run.
Rifle was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .394. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .323 or higher in six consecutive contests.
As for Palisade, they have been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 13-9 record this season. That's two games in a row now that they have lost by exactly four runs.
On Palisade's side, they saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was MacKenzie Gray, who went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one double.
Coming up, Rifle will take on Cedaredge at 2:00 p.m. on Friday. The Bears will need to watch out since the Bruins have now posted at least ten runs in their last five games. As for Palisade, they will challenge Grand Junction at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. The last three games the Tigers have played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
