Faribault vs. Mankato West

4:30 p.m., Thursday, May 17

In a highly competitive Big 9 Conference, Faribault has recently played second fiddle to conference foes such as Winona and Mankato West, and the Falcons found themselves in that scenario last season.

After running the table in conference play, Faribault faced an undefeated Mankato West for the league title in the regular-season finale, where the Falcons fell 10-5 and the Scarlets took home the Big 9 crown. 

Faribault (13-1, 9-0) is on a similar trajectory this season but is looking to flip the script and knock off Mankato West on Thursday, when the teams meet in our Top Game of the Week.

The Falcons (13-1, 9-0) have defeated all conference challenges that have come their way this year, including a 3-2 win over defending Class 3A state champion Winona on May 7. Beating the Winhawks helped Faribault grab the No. 1 spot in the Minnesota Fastpitch Coaches' Association rankings released on May 10. 

After being named to the all-state team in 2017, junior pitcher McKayla Armbruster has once again been a catalyst for the Falcons. In the circle, she has a 0.74 ERA in 85.1 innings pitched and is hitting .409 with 12 RBI. 

Mankato West has a stud pitcher of its own in senior Briggs Carlson. She not only is the ace of the pitching staff, but Carlson is also the leadoff hitter for the No. 3-3A Scarlets (9-3, 7-1). Carlson will likely need to set the table at the plate and in the circle to help Mankato West defeat Faribault.