The Smith Valley Bulldogs will square off against the Indian Springs Thunderbirds at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Smith Valley is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They came out on top against Wells by a score of 9-5. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Bulldogs.
Joseph Marshek spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered three earned (and two unearned) runs on eight hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up a single walk in three consecutive appearances.
Luke Lannom
| 05/16/25 vs Wells | 3 |
| 05/16/25 vs Liberty Baptist Academy | 2 |
| 05/15/25 @ Indian Springs | 1 |
| 05/10/25 vs Wells | 0 |
| 05/10/25 @ Wells | 2 |
| + 5 more games |
At the plate, Luke Lannom was incredible, going 3-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. That's the most hits he has posted over his last ten matches. The team also got some help courtesy of Gaston Rodriguez, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Indian Springs entered their tilt with Wells on Friday with eight consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with nine. They blew past the Leopards 12-3. Considering the Thunderbirds have won 17 games by more than five runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Adam Groeblinghoff made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he tossed seven innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off eight hits. Groeblinghoff was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with one run and one RBI.
In other batting news, Indian Springs got a massive performance out of Landen Blood, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs and two RBI. Marley Ferreira was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs, two RBI, and one double.
Indian Springs always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .583. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Wells only posted an OBP of .294.
Smith Valley's record now sits at 18-5. As for Indian Springs, their record is now 22-5.
Saturday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Smith Valley hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .489. However, it's not like Indian Springs struggles in that department as they've averaged .442. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Smith Valley might still be hurting after the 7-1 defeat they got from Indian Springs in their previous matchup on Thursday. Can the Bulldogs avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
