Whitehall players a spark for Outlaws

With a 13-1 conference record, the Gallatin Valley Outlaws are looking to keep up the momentum as they inch closer to the postseason.

Assistant coach Ryan Murphy said the team is currently sitting in first place and in a great position to win the conference title if they can keep their momentum going.

Murphy feels the great stretch of baseball by the American Legion squad started with the Imerys Tournament in Three Forks and from there they have not looked back.

"When our pitchers throw strikes outfielders make plays and we hit the ball hard there are not going to be many teams that can beat us. The team has five seniors that have done a good job being leaders for the younger kids to look up to," he said.

Murphy added the squads pitching staff is deep and has been great this season.

Whitehall's Bo Hays leads the team with a 1.25 ERA.

"He has kept hitters off balance all season by commanding both is fastball and breaking ball, and in the future, he has the potential to move onto the next level if he keeps working hard," Murphy said.

On offense, 2019 Whitehall High School graduate Connor Johnson leads the team in hitting and stolen bases. Johnson has a .450 batting average, on-base percentage is well above .500 and he has 25 stolen bases.

"He is a game-changer whether he is up to bat or on the bases. It's been awesome watching him have the season he is having," Murphy said.

Whitehall's Tucker Miller is also on the team. Murphy said Miller has been dealing with an injury but the innings he gave the team on the mound were impactful and will continue to do so in the future.

The team has an overall record of 31-12 and Murphy said the number one goal is to take the final six conference games one game at a time and win the outright title.

"From there it is competing at districts and making it to state where I think we still have a bit of a sour taste in our mouth from last year being one place away from going to regionals. Two go from Montana to regionals again this year so the team is definitely hungry to get back to state and get to the next level," he said.

The squad will next play Bozeman Saturday in Three Forks followed by a Sunday matchup on the road against Helena.