Simla is 0-10 against Peyton since April of 2017 but things could change on Saturday. The Cubs will look to defend their home field against the Panthers at 10:00 a.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Simla is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They put the hurt on Elbert with a sharp 25-4 victory on Thursday. The win was nothing new for the Cubs as they're now sitting on three straight.
Tatum Kocerha
| 04/09/26 vs Elbert | 5 |
| 04/26/25 @ Calhan | 4 |
| 04/07/26 @ Cripple Creek-Victor | 3 |
| 04/24/25 @ Otis | 3 |
| 04/15/25 @ Custer County | 3 |
Tatum Kocerha was incredible, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with four runs, two stolen bases, and five RBI. Those five RBI gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Nathaniel Cauthon, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with three runs and four RBI.
Simla always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .714. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, after only two runs in their last matchup, Peyton made sure to put some runs up on the board against Byers on Thursday. The Panthers blew past the Bulldogs 16-10. The victory continues a trend for the Panthers in their matchups with the Bulldogs: they've now won seven in a row.
Zayden Ebbert and Bryce Love made a splash while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Ebbert pitched 1.1 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Meanwhile, Love struck out seven batters over four innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off two hits. Ebbert also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Peyton is 3-1 when he allows at most one earned run, but 2-3 otherwise. At bat, Ebbert got on base in three of his five plate appearances with three RBI, two runs, and one stolen base, while Love got on base in all five of his plate appearances with one home run, four runs, and one stolen base.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact as seven players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Brayden Nonaka, who went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and two runs. He is becoming a predictor of Peyton's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 2-4 when he doesn't). Brennan Christiansen was another, going 1-for-4 with one stolen base and one run.
Peyton now has a winning record of 5-4. As for Simla, they now have a winning record of 4-3.
Saturday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Simla hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .379. However, it's not like Peyton struggles in that department as they've averaged .360. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Simla couldn't quite finish off Peyton in their previous meeting back in April of 2025 and fell 6-4. Will the Cubs have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.
