The Festus Tigers will head out to take on the Pacific Indians at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Festus lost a heartbreaker the last time they played Webster Groves, but it's fair to say they got their revenge given the result of Wednesday's contest. The Tigers never let the Statesmen get on the board and left with a 15-0 victory on Wednesday. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Tigers.
Jackson Smith was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out nine over four innings pitched. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than one walk in six consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with three doubles and four RBI. That's the most doubles he has posted since back in March of 2025.
In other batting news, Brayden Beers was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with four RBI, one stolen base, and one run. Another player making a difference was Cooper Schilly, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs and one double.
Festus always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .719. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Pacific got the win against St. Charles on Monday by a conclusive 11-1. The win continues a trend for the Indians in their matchups with the Pirates: they've now won three in a row.
Cole Mohesky spent all six innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned run on six hits.
At the plate, Nate Ball and Gavin Haddox did most of the damage at the plate: Ball went 2-for-3 with four RBI, one stolen base, and one run, while Haddox went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. Grant Kossuth was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two runs and one stolen base.
Festus' record is now 17-6. As for Pacific, their record now sits at 15-9.
Thursday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Festus has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .476. However, it's not like Pacific struggles in that department as they've averaged .451. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Festus suffered a grim 8-2 defeat to Pacific in their previous meeting back in April of 2016. Can the Tigers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
