by Mark Watson

SPORTS EDITOR

The Grantsville Cowboys are destined for the state playoffs with a 5-1 region record and a 14-2 overall mark, but they will most likely face their toughest test of the season today when they host the No.1-ranked 4A team and county rival Tooele.

Grantsville has had a week of rest after blasting winless Ben Lomond 15-4 last Tuesday. The Cowboys scored 15 runs on 19 hits including one triple and seven doubles.

Melissa Baird hit for the cycle with a single, two doubles and a triple while Mallory Oltjenbruns had four hits including a double in five trips to the plate.

Big wins for the Cowboys this year include an 11-2 victory over Provo in St. George, a 3-2 home win against Woods Cross, 7-2 win at Wasatch, 3-0 victory at Morgan and 5-1 win at Bonneville.

Grantsville's lone region loss was to top-ranked Bear River in Garland. The Cowboys and Bears were tied after three innings until Bear River scored two in the fourth inning and three in the fifth to win the game 6-1. The Bears lost at Tooele 9-0 last Thursday.

After its encounter with Tooele on Tuesday, Grantsville plays its final four region games including home games on Wednesday, April 30 against Bear River and on Friday, May 2 against Morgan. The Cowboys will also play at Pleasant Grove on May 7.

mwatson@tooeletranscript.com