Evergreen is preparing for their first league matchup of the season on Tuesday. They will look to defend their home field against the Dakota Ridge Eagles at 4:00 p.m. The timing is sure in Evergreen's favor as the team sits on three straight wins at home while Dakota Ridge has been banged up by six consecutive losses on the road dating back to last season.
On Thursday, Evergreen needed a bit of extra time to put away Conifer. They had just enough and edged out the Lobos 7-5. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Cougars have posted since March 18th.
Evergreen got a great performance from George Hughen as he tossed five innings while giving up three earned (and two unearned) runs off eight hits. Hughen has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.
Hudson Schraad
| 04/16/26 @ Conifer | 1 |
| 04/14/26 vs Green Mountain | 1 |
| 04/11/26 vs Wheat Ridge | 1 |
On the hitting side, Brecken Worthington and Hudson Schraad did most of the damage at the plate: Worthington went 2-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI, while Schraad went 1-for-3 with one home run and two RBI. Schraad is on a roll when it comes to home runs, as he's now launched at least one in each of the last three games he's played. Brody March was another key player, going 2-for-4 with one triple, one stolen base, and one run.
Meanwhile, Dakota Ridge made easy work of Pomona on Tuesday and carried off a 12-4 win. The victory continues a trend for the Eagles in their matchups with the Panthers: they've now won nine in a row.
Matthew Larmore made a big impact no matter where he played. He pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He also tossed no walks, which is notable because Dakota Ridge is 2-1 when he allows at most one walk, but 4-7 otherwise. Larmore was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI. Those three hits gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Breckin Maynes, who went 3-for-4 with two runs, two RBI, and one double. That's the most hits he has posted since back in May of 2025. Another player making a difference was Kellen Behrendsen, who went 1-for-3 with three RBI and one run.
Dakota Ridge kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They are 3-1 when they post 11 or more hits.
Dakota Ridge's win bumped their record up to 6-8. As for Evergreen, their victory bumped their record up to 9-4.
Tuesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Evergreen has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .452. However, it's not like Dakota Ridge struggles in that department as they've averaged .456. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Evergreen skirted past Dakota Ridge 6-5 in their previous matchup back in April of 2025. Will the Cougars repeat their success, or do the Eagles have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
