LA GRANDE — La Grande needed only five innings to down the 3A Burns/Crane Hilanders, 11-1, on Tuesday, April 16, before the hometown fans.

The nonleague victory marked the fourth consecutive win for La Grande.

The Tigers (7-5 overall, 3-1 4A Greater Oregon League) now prepares for two home games against Pendleton/Nixyaawii (9-7 overall, 4-0 4A Greater Oregon League) on April 19. The two games will determine the early lead in the league standings and also effect the state rankings.

Currently, the Buckaroos are a top-five team, sitting fifth in the 4A ranks and make the trip to La Grande riding a seven-game win streak. Pendleton/Nixyaawii are league perfect coming into the doubleheader.

The Tigers face the lone team yet unmet in league play after disposing of Ontario and splitting the team’s first meeting with Baker/Powder Valley earlier in the season.

While La Grande has allowed fewer runs defensively, 75 as opposed to the Bucks’ 89, the Buckaroos have the bats moving this season scoring 137 runs compared to La Grande’s 109 runs.

The first pitch of game one is scheduled for 2 p.m.