Lakers split doubleheader

RATHDRUM — Tevin Hamilton and Tyler Gordon each threw solid complete games on the mound, as the Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers split a season opening doubleheader against Prairie on Saturday in American Legion baseball action at Lakeland High School.

Gordon threw a three-hitter in a 4-3 loss in the first game, as all four Prairie runs were unearned and the Lakers (1-1) left 11 runners on base. Joel Cramer and Tyler Gordon each had two of the Lakers’ nine hits in the disappointing loss.

“Tyler pitched well enough to win if we’d played defense,” said head coach Mike Givens, lamenting three costly errors in the opener. “It was our first game out of the box and we were a little hesitant.”

Hamilton was equally impressive on the mound in the second game, a 12-2 win, also allowing just three hits and also going the distance. Cramer smacked three more hits, including a double, and Gordon drove in three runs as the Lakers made the most of their 10 hits.

“We definitely settled down in the second game. Guys were in scoring position and we drove in the runs,” said Givens. “Tevin did a great job keeping the hitters off balance.”

Scott Snow added a triple, and the Lakers exploded for seven runs in a big third inning to put the game away. Sam Nitcy made the play of the game defensively, earning high praise from his coach.

“We had a lay-out, diving catch in right field from Nitcy,” recalled Givens. “The catch would have made a top 10 on ESPN.”

The Lakers will get another look at Prairie when they make their home debut on Thursday, at 5 p.m. at War Memorial Field.

GAME 1

Sandpoint  102 000 0 — 3   9   3

Prarie        002 110 x — 4   3   1

GAME 2

Sandpoint  107 112 — 12   10   2

Prarie        020 000 — 2     3     1