Panhandle All-Stars conclude busy road trip

COLFAX, Wash. — The Coldwater Creek Panhandle Babe Ruth All-Star team again jumped out to an early lead, but once again was unable to put a team away, falling 9-3 in the opening game of a doubleheader against the Pullman All-Stars Wednesday night in Colfax.

Clutch hitting by Jackson Olin, Sam Nitcy and Caleb Nishimoto helped Panhandle build an early lead, but a long home run by Pullman ignited a rally and spurred them to the win.

Zac Envik drove in a run and Tyler Howk ripped a bases loaded double to spark a late inning rally in the nightcap, but it wasn’t enough as Panhandle fell 10-6, concluding a busy road stretch of nine games in six days. Coach Hans Feyen had high praise for the defensive play of Ryan Schwartz at shortstop, Eddo Feyen at catcher and Jacob Clad as a utility player.

The Panhandle coaches marveled at how nice the field in Colfax was, a beautifully manicured baseball diamond in a small town surrounded by wheat fields.

While the games were supposed to officially end Panhandle’s season, the play in North Idaho has been so strong coaches in Sandpoint and Lewiston are considering scheduling some more games.