The Manti Templars will challenge the Emery Spartans at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Manti is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.6 runs per game this season.
Manti fought the good fight in their extra-innings matchup against South Sevier on Wednesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell 10-5 to the Rams. The Templars' defeat continues a trend for the team, making it three in a row.
Hallee Barnes stepped up to lead a balanced group of hitters: she went 2-for-4 with two runs and two doubles. The team also got some help courtesy of Avery Thompson, who went 3-for-4 with two RBI.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Emery). They came out on top against Carbon by a score of 19-14 on Tuesday. The victory continues a trend for the Spartans in their matchups with the Dinos: they've now won three in a row.
Emery got a massive performance out of Elly Stilson, who went 3-for-6 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. Stilson has been hot, having posted at least one stolen base the last six times she's played. Another player making a difference was Bailey Luke, who got on base in three of her six plate appearances with four runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Emery lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. That's the most home runs they've posted since back in April of 2025.
Emery's first win this season bumped their record up to 1-6. As for Manti, their loss dropped their record down to 4-6.
Friday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Manti hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .315. However, it's not like Emery struggles in that department as they've averaged .328. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Manti suffered a grim 7-1 defeat to Emery when the teams last played back in April of 2025. Can the Templars avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
