The Big Sky Eagles will challenge the Glacier Wolfpack at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday. Big Sky is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.1 runs per game this season.
Big Sky is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Montana's top teams: Flathead, who was ranked 16th at the time (Big Sky was ranked third). The Eagles put the hurt on the Braves with a sharp 15-4 victory on Tuesday. The Eagles have beaten the Braves the last three times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Braves has come to flipping the script.
Ethan Paugh made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He tossed four innings while giving up just two earned runs off four hits. Paugh was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, five RBI, and one stolen base. That home run was his first of the season.
In other batting news, Colter Nicolarsen was incredible, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI. Mathew Doty was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Glacier entered their matchup against Russell on Saturday without any home losses, but there's a first time for everything. The Wolfpack fell 8-5 to the Rustlers.
Kaeden Kahler made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and went a perfect 4-for-4 with two RBI, one run, and one double. Another player making a difference was Ryne Gillette, who went 2-for-3 with two runs and one stolen base.
Glacier's loss dropped their record down to 7-3. As for Big Sky, their win bumped their record up to 7-1-1.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Big Sky has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .542. However, it's not like Glacier struggles in that department as they've averaged .454. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.
