Russell is on a four-game streak of home losses, and Skyview a three-game streak of away losses. However, someone's due for a change in luck on Saturday. The Russell Rustlers will be playing in front of their home fans against the Skyview Falcons at 3:00 p.m. Skyview took a loss in their last game and will be looking to turn the tables on Russell, who comes in off a win.
Having struggled with seven losses in a row, Russell turned things around against Great Falls on Tuesday. They had just enough and edged out the Bison 9-8. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Rustlers have posted since May 25, 2024.
Ruby Dean
| 05/06/25 @ Great Falls | 4 |
| 04/12/25 @ Skyview | 3 |
| 04/23/24 @ Great Falls | 3 |
| 04/13/24 @ Bozeman | 3 |
| 04/02/24 vs Capital | 3 |
The team relied heavily on Ruby Dean, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and two RBI. Those four hits gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Hayden Olson, who went 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Russell kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. They are 3-1 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Skyview lost a heartbreaker to Belgrade when they met back in May of 2024, and they left with a heavy heart again on Thursday. The Falcons fell just short of the Panthers by a score of 7-6.
Brooklyn Arce spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and three unearned) runs on nine hits and racked up six Ks.
At the plate, Ruby Sheridan led a balanced group of hitters, going 1-for-4 with one home run and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Kenna Pfeifle, who went 3-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Russell's win was their first in the region, bumping their region record up to 1-10 and their overall record up to 4-13. As for Skyview, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-10.
Fans could be in store for some top-tier slugging on Saturday. Russell hasn't had any problems when it comes to power this season, having averaged 0.7 home runs per game. However, it's not like Skyview struggles in that department as they've been averaging 0.8 home runs. With so much power on both teams, it'll be down to the pitchers to keep the mound locked down. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
