Sandpoint slips in state semis, but still has a shot at third

CALDWELL — Sandpoint's dreams of a 4A high school state baseball championship were shattered Friday when the Madison Bobcats edged the Bulldogs 2-1 in the semifinals at Rodeo Park.

Scoring both of their runs in the opening inning, the Bobcats (18-9) took advantage of good defensive play and a couple Sandpoint running errors to help them advance into today's 4A state championship game.

"Those errors cost us," said Sandpoint head coach Dave Siemsen, who believed the Bulldogs put forth a rather lackluster offensive performance. "Defensively, they played well, but over all they were flat."

Sandpoint's lone run was knocked in by Brent Scott in the fifth inning.

"The guys started to come alive in the sixth, but it was just to late," he added.

Sandpoint (14-12) plays for third place today against the loser of Mt. Home/Hillcrest.

"Hopefully, we'll come out, refocus and bring home third," said Siemsen.

Sandpoint 000 010 0 — 1 8 2

Madison 200 000 0 — 2 10 2

Jeremy Way, Brent Scott (5) and Chris Karle, Jeremy Way (5); Erickson and Snell. W — Erickson. L — Way.

HITS: Spt — Walkington 4, Scott, Howell, Crabb 2. Mad — Mortenson, Tena 2, Robison, Snell 2, Erickson, Rasmussen, Johnson, Merril.