Lakers finish busy stretch

SANDPOINT — The Riley Creek Lakers concluded a busy stretch of games by going 2-2 over the weekend in American Legion baseball action.

The Lakers (14-9) beat Rogers 5-3 and University 5-4 to close out the Spokane Wooden Bat Tournament with two wins on Saturday. Joel Cramer stole home to spark the offense, and Alex Kellogg of Bonners Ferry struck out five batters in five solid innings of work to lead the Lakers over Rogers. Stats from the University game were unavailable.

There was no rest for the weary, as the Lakers traveled eight hours on very little sleep for a league doubleheader on Sunday in Orofino, where temperatures hit triple digits. The Lakers lost the first game 6-1, as the Orofino pitcher tossed a three-hit gem to beat Cole Tonnemacher.

The Lakers lost the second game 14-7, and played under protest after an erroneous call by the umpire. The Lakers pitchers were all fatigued, after a spate of seven games in four days. Sherman Ewing and Scott Snow each had two hits and two RBIs, Jordan Hammack added a pair of hits and Nick Halpin and Cory Neer added offensive contributions in the loss.

The Lakers return home with a quick chance for redemption, as Orofino invades War Memorial Field for a doubleheader on Wednesday. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m.