With less than a month left of the 2024 Independence League season, every game means a little bit more. And that’s especially the case with the Fremont Moo (8-3 in second-half), who entered a five-game set with the Nebraska Prospects this weekend 3.5 games back of first-place Casper in second-half standings.

The Prospects, one of three IBL traveling teams, have struggled through their schedule, posting eight straight losses and a 5-16 record overall.

But this past weekend was one of the most promising for the Prospects, who lost three games to Casper but were within three runs in every game, including two run one losses. It was a big reversal from their previous outing, a 12-6 loss to Spearfish.

In game one against Casper, it was 2-2 in the bottom of the ninths before a walk-off single by Casper’s Josh Phillips for a 3-2 defeat. The bats were quiet in game two, as Prospects pitcher Cooper Katskee went five strong innings but the Spuds won 3-0. In game three, another walk off game, as Kody Claudius hit a walk-off fielder's choice for an 8-7 Spuds win.

While it was still a sweep, the series showed major improvement for the Prospects, who seem to be finding their stride on both sides of the ball. Recent University of Nebraska - Omaha commit Blake Stenger has led the way, hitting .423 on the season. Grant Ryan hit .412 for the Prospects before exiting the team a few weeks ago. Power has been a power, with just three combined home runs this year. Jacob Perrin, Stenger and Arkansas commit Elliot Peterson each have one. In terms of RBIs, University of Nebraska - Omaha commit Drew Borner leads the way with 15 RBIs, with Brice Waller and Corey Cozad close behind with 11.

On the mound, no pitcher has recorded more than one win. University of Nebraska - Lincoln commit J’Shawn Unger (1-0, .000 ERA), Carson Obrecht (1-1, 3.957), Colton Homolka (1-1, 4.725) and Kyler Hanson (1-0 4.421) are all tied for the win lead. Hanson also leads in saves with one.

The Moo are coming off a 3-1 series win over the Plainsmen over the fourth of July weekend. It was just the second time this year the Moo lost a series opener but won the series. In game one, the Plainsmen got their first win of the season 13-9 in ten innings. Things switched up in game two, as two home runs led the Moo to a 11-1 win. An eight-inning no-hitter by Dylan Driessen and Ryan Semin gave the Moo a 8-2 win on Saturday and 6 RBIs from Cooper Fuchino on Sunday led the Moo to a 12-3 win.

Fuchino, a Creighton product, has been the offensive star for Fremont with a .337 batting average. Tyrus Petsche (.333) and Bridger Coleman (.308) are chasing the catcher. Fuchino also leads the homerun battle at 4 with Coleman (3) close behind. Coleman takes the RBI crown with 19, followed by Fuchino (18), Stephen Espinoza (17), Miles Meadows (12) and Dylan Brandenburg (12).

On the mound, Reese Kortum (3-2, 3.971) and Creighton’s Robert O’Malley (3-0, 2.045) have been standout starters. Alex Oliver has been the top closer, going 4-4 on save opportunities with a 2.5 ERA.

In the Independence League second half-standings, Fremont sits in third among playoff eligible teams, 3 games behind Casper. Spearfish (2.5 GB), Hastings (5.5) and Oahe (6.0) round out the standings. Casper also leads the overall standings, with Spearfish (8.5 GB), Hastings (9.5), Fremont (9.5) and Oahe (22.0) trailing.

In five games against the Prospects this year, Fremont leads 4-1, most recently with a two-game sweep on June 27 and 28. Both games were close, with Fremont coming out on top 6-5 and 9-8.

First pitch for the first four games of the series are set for 7:05 p.m. from Historic Moller Field, with game five on Sunday scheduled for 5:05 p.m.