The Manti Templars will head out on the road to challenge the Cedar Valley Aviators at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. Manti is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.8 runs per game this season.
On Tuesday, Manti got the win against North Sanpete by a conclusive 10-4. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Templars.
Lane Cox
| 03/15/25 vs Duchesne | 3 |
| 03/25/25 @ North Sanpete | 2 |
| 03/04/25 @ Tooele | 2 |
| 03/07/25 vs North Sanpete | 1 |
Lane Cox and Tazj Hill made a big impact no matter where they played. On the mound, Cox pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. Meanwhile, Hill pitched four innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off three hits. Cox has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. At bat, Cox scored two runs while going 2-for-4, while Hill went 1-for-3 with one home run and two runs. Cox has become a key player for Manti: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 1-5 otherwise.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Kellen Lund, who got on base in three of his five plate appearances with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. Manti is undefeated when Lund posts one or more home runs, but 0-5 otherwise.
Manti 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 2024.
Meanwhile, Cedar Valley was not able to break out of their rough patch on Saturday as the team picked up their fifth straight defeat. They came up short against Cedar, falling 17-9.
Ayden Laws was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring a run and stealing a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. The team also got some help courtesy of Landon Johnson, who scored a run while going 1-for-4.
Cedar Valley's loss dropped their record down to 4-6. As for Manti, their record now sits at 4-5.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Manti has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .437. However, it's not like Cedar Valley struggles in that department as they've averaged .457. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.
