Lakers drop state Legion playoff opener

BURLEY — Tevin Hamilton fired a five-hit complete game, striking out eight hitters, but pitching wasn’t the problem for the Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers, who fell 5-3 to the Emmett Blue Devils in the opener of the American Legion “A” State tournament on Thursday in Burley.

The Lakers (33-10) faced a tough Emmett pitcher, and could only muster a double by Cole Tonnemacher and singles from Corey Neer and Jordan Hammack offensively. Despite throwing well, Hamilton took the loss, running his record on the season to 6-3.

The Lakers are still alive in the hunt for a state title in the true double elimination tournament, and will face Nampa today in the consolation bracket. Ace Cole Tonnemacher will get the start, with first pitch slated for 9:30 a.m.