Bulldogs drop doubleheader to Moscow

MOSCOW — Sandpoint matched Moscow hit for hit, but once again defense proved to be a problem, as the Bulldogs committed 10 errors in falling 7-2 and 6-5 to Moscow in a softball doubleheader late Tuesday night at Moscow High School.

Molly Givens had three hits on the night to lead the Bulldogs (5-15, 2-6 4A IEL), and pitched most of the first game, in which the Bulldogs couldn’t get the big hits and left 11 runners on base.

“We can score some runs and the pitching will keep us in games, we just need to make the routine plays on defense,” said head coach Derek Dickinson. “We need to shore up the defense, it’s been the bugaboo all season. You can’t make 10 errors and win.”

The Bulldogs nearly pulled off a comeback in the second game, as Rachel Hammack, Kayanna Quigley and Jeri St. Sauver each had RBIs in a fifth inning rally, before Christina Johnson, the potential tying run, was stranded at third after getting there with one out. Six errors proved the difference as Kym DaVault and Maggie Kirscher combined to hold the Bears to just six hits.

One silver lining in the sweep was the emergence of Kirscher as a third pitcher behind the one-two punch of Givens and DaVault. Dickinson said she’ll see some innings in the upcoming district tournament.

Sandpoint has beaten both the Bears and Hawks once this season, and with some improved defense should contend for the lone 4A North state berth.

The Bulldogs will most likely play at Moscow again on Monday in the 4A Region 1 playoff opener.

Game 1

Sandpoint 010 010 0 — 2   7   4

Moscow    102 031 x — 7   7   3   

Molly Givens, Maggie Kirscher (6) and Rachel Hammack. L — Givens (4-6). HITS: Hamilton, Givens 2, Hammack, Kirscher, St. Sauver, DaVault.

Game 2

Sandpoint  020 030 0 — 5   5   6

Moscow     023 100 x — 6   6   3

Kym DaVault, Kirscher (3) and Hammack. L — DaVault (1-8). HITS: Hamilton, Hammack, Givens, DaVault, Quigley.