Panhandle All-Stars continue winning ways

MERIDIAN - The Panhandle All-Star team continued winning big Friday at the Idaho Babe Ruth All-Star tournament in Meridian, downing the Central Idaho team 18-2 and securing a spot in today's semifinals.

Tevin Hamilton, Sam Nitcy and Marcus Davis combined to throw a no-hitter, allowing the two runs to score without giving up a hit. While the pitching has been solid, coach Mike Givens has been most surprised by his balanced and potent batting order.

“I'm particularly proud of our hitting,” said Givens. “The players have learned to wait on the pitch and be selective during this all star period, and can hit with any team here.”

The team is now 3-1 at the tournament, scoring a whopping 64 runs in the three wins. Overall they are now 11-2 on the year.

Panhandle will play Madison this morning in the first of two single elimination semis, with the winners advancing to the championship game at 2 p.m.

The evening game against the Madison All Stars didn't really affect the standings, as both teams were already slated to meet this morning in the semifinals. Coach Givens' focus was more on resting his strating pitchers than going for the win.