Kiowa hasn't had much luck against Evangel Christian Academy recently, but that could start to change on Saturday. The Indians will be playing in front of their home fans against the Eagles at 2:00 p.m. Kiowa has given up an average of 11.6 runs per game this season, but Saturday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Kiowa lost 19-3 to Rocky Ford on Wednesday. The Indians have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Myles Erker made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-3 with two doubles and one stolen base. Thade Montgemery was another key player, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 1-for-3.
Meanwhile, Evangel Christian Academy had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 11.5 runs) and they went ahead and made it three on Tuesday. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured an 8-7 W against the Bulldogs. The game snapped a strange streak: the last five times these teams have met, it?s been the away team that?s taken home the W.
Anderson Schultz was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out seven over four innings pitched. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances.
In other batting news, Luke Willen and Zachary Blair did most of the damage at the plate: Willen scored a run while going 1-for-3, while Blair scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-4. What's more, Blair posted two RBI, the most he's had since back in March of 2024.
Evangel Christian Academy's win was their fifth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 3-1. The home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.0 runs on average over those games. As for Kiowa, their loss dropped their record down to 3-5.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Saturday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Kiowa has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Evangel Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 9.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Kiowa might still be hurting after the 18-6 defeat they got from Evangel Christian Academy in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Indians avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
