Babe Ruth All Stars sweep doubleheader

SANDPOINT — The Panhandle Babe Ruth League swept a doubleheader from the Kootenai Valley All Stars at home Saturday, improving their post-season record to 5-1.

It was a great team effort and a tribute to how hard these boys have been working, with practices nearly every night since the regular season ended on June 14.

Kyle Bradbury started the first game and got the win after pitching five innings and allowing only one run on two hits. Tyler Gordon came in relief and closed it out with two scoreless innings, netting an 8-1 win for the home team.

Michael Lorden contributed two hits and scored two runs with heads-up baserunning. Nick Halpin likewise had two hits and drove in three runs.

The team continued to roll in the second game with a 9-5 win behind another four scoreless innings thrown by Gordon.

Luther Morgan closed the game with five straight outs. Lorden continued his hitting streak with two base hits and Scott Snow contributed a triple and two RBI.

Tevin Hamilton made several sterling defensive plays at critical times, including a couple of bare handed grabs.

This team is really starting to gel under a strong and experienced coaching staff. When the 2008 American Legion season was cancelled, Legion head coach Rick Klontz joined with Mike Givens and Bill Weiden to bring more than 50 years of cumulative high school, American Legion and college coaching experience to these boys.

Practices have been intense and the quality of play has increased exponentially week after week.

The team has another doubleheader on the road Tuesday, followed by a doubleheader at home 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday night. Come on out and support the home team!