The Delta Panthers will venture away from home to face off against the Rifle Bears at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Fans were treated to a battle of the Panthers on Tuesday. Delta put the hurt on Montezuma-Cortez with a sharp 15-3 win. Winning may never get old, but Delta sure is getting used to it with their third in a row.
The team relied heavily on Olivia Hines, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with two stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in August. Another player making a difference was Sophia Siennicki, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with four RBI, two runs, and one double.
Delta always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .700. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .583 or higher in three consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, Rifle made easy work of Montezuma-Cortez on Saturday and carried off a 13-4 victory.
Rylan Petree was incredible, going 3-for-4 with three stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games she's played. Aaliyah Mangnall was another key player, going 3-for-4 with four stolen bases and one run.
Delta's record is now 14-5. As for Rifle, their record now sits at 15-4.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Delta has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.8 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Rifle struggles in that department as they've been averaging 4.4 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Delta took their win against Rifle when the teams last played back in October of 2024 by a conclusive 12-2 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Panthers since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.