The Basalt Longhorns will face off against the Rifle Bears at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.
Having struggled with four defeats in a row, Basalt turned things around against Aspen on Thursday. They put the hurt on the Skiers with a sharp 18-2 victory. The high-scoring performance was a welcome turnaround for the Longhorns' hitters, who had struggled in the games prior.
Sydney Ostberg was a standout: she went a perfect 3-for-3 with three stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in August. The team also got some help courtesy of Ava Gomes, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with three RBI, two runs, and one stolen base.
Basalt was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .429. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Aspen only posted a batting average of .273.
Meanwhile, Rifle narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past Delta 16-15.
Gia Keithley was a major factor no matter where she played. She struck out seven batters over 5.1 innings while giving up four earned (and four unearned) runs off four hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in five consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 1-for-1 with three RBI and one double.
In other batting news, Rifle got a massive performance out of Aaliyah Mangnall, who went 3-for-5 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. Mangnall is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged two or more in each of the last three games she's played. Another player making a difference was Katherine Santana, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI.
Basalt's victory bumped their record up to 5-15. As for Rifle, their win bumped their record up to 16-4.
Tuesday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Basalt hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .364. However, it's not like Rifle struggles in that department as they've averaged .434. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Basalt couldn't quite get it done against Rifle in their previous matchup back in October of 2024 as they fell 9-4. Will the Longhorns have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
