The Kiowa Indians will square off against the Peyton Panthers at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. The timing isn't great for Kiowa: they have been struggling with three straight losses at home, while Peyton has snatched up nine consecutive wins on the road dating back to last season.
Evangel Christian Academy hit Kiowa with a four-run third inning on Saturday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Indians took a 10-6 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Eagles.
Rowan Golden was cooking despite his team's loss, going 3-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, it was a proper cat-fight when Peyton took on Colorado Springs Christian on Thursday. The Panthers were the clear victors by a 21-1 margin over the Lions. Considering the Panthers have won seven games by more than five runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Zayden Ebbert was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run over four innings pitched. He also tossed no walks, which is notable because Peyton is undefeated when he allows at most one walk, but 3-4 otherwise. Ebbert was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. He has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last four times he's played.
In other batting news, Bryce Love was a standout: he got on base in all five of his plate appearances with one home run, four runs, and four RBI. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in May of 2025. Another player making a difference was Trent Gregg, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, five RBI, and three runs.
Peyton was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .538. They are a perfect 7-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Kiowa's loss dropped their record down to 8-6. As for Peyton, their victory bumped their record up to 8-4.
Monday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Kiowa has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .487. However, it's not like Peyton struggles in that department as they've averaged .522. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Kiowa suffered a grim 10-0 defeat to Peyton in their previous meeting back in April of 2017. Will the Indians have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.