The Crowley County Chargers will head out on the road to challenge the Rye Thunderbolts at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Crowley County is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.1 runs per game this season.
Crowley County had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 16-run drubbing they dealt Calhan on Tuesday. The Chargers blew past the Bulldogs 18-2. The win continues a trend for the Chargers in their matchups with the Bulldogs: they've now won four in a row.
Tanner Kuhn was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. What's more, he posted four strikeouts, the most he's had since back in March of 2024. He was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Tritt Buhr was a standout: he went 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, four RBI, and one run. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in May of 2024. Gunner Hughes was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with four stolen bases and three runs.
Crowley County always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .543. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Calhan only posted an OBP of .381.
Meanwhile, Rye was able to grind out a solid victory over Hoehne on Tuesday, taking the game 6-1.
Axton Erlich spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned run on one hit and racked up 13 Ks. Rye is 2-1 when Erlich allows one or fewer earned runs, but 3-14 otherwise.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Branson Burbidge, who went 3-for-4 with three doubles, two runs, and one RBI. He has become a key player for Rye: the team is 2-1 when he posts at least three hits, but 3-14 otherwise. Jackson Bjorum also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Crowley County's record now sits at 10-7. As for Rye, their record is now 5-15.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Crowley County has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.5 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Rye struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3.6 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Crowley County took their win against Rye in their previous meeting two weeks ago by a conclusive 8-2 score. Will the Chargers repeat their success, or do the Thunderbolts have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
