The Show Low Cougars will head out on the road to challenge the Payson Longhorns at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Both teams come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
In what's become a running theme this season, Show Low gave their fans yet another huge win on Wednesday. They were the clear victor by a 24-6 margin over Blue Ridge. Show Low's hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Sydney Stahl was a major factor no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run and only two hits while striking out seven over four innings pitched. Stahl was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
In other batting news, Brynlynn Lang was incredible, scoring four runs and stealing five bases while going 3-for-4. Kirstin Goodman was another key contributor, going 2-for-4 with five RBI, three runs, and a stolen base.
Meanwhile, Payson sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 7-6 victory over Holbrook on Wednesday. The win was just what Payson needed coming off of an 18-2 loss in their prior match.
Like Show Low, Payson also got a great game from a two-way player: Kinikki Smith. On the mound, she tossed seven innings while giving up just two earned (and four unearned) runs off eight hits (she also didn't allow any walks). Smith has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive pitching appearances. Smith was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with two RBI and a double.
Smith wasn't the only one making solid contact as four players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Danica Peters, who scored two runs while going 1-for-2. Another player making a difference was Brinna Hall, who scored two runs while getting on base in two of her four plate appearances.
Show Low is on a roll lately: they've won nine of their last 12 games, which provided a nice bump to their 11-6 record this season. As for Payson, their record is now 5-7.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Show Low has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .503. However, it's not like Payson struggles in that department as they've averaged .443. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Show Low's way against Payson when the teams last played two weeks ago as Show Low made off with a 14-4 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for Show Low since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
