Bottomley, Baldree help Bulldogs sweep Bears

SANDPOINT — A rock-solid performance by their emerging ace and clutch hitting throughout the lineup propelled Sandpoint to a rare 7-2, 7-6 sweep of Moscow on Tuesday in 4A Inland Empire League softball at Sandpoint Middle School.

Casey Bottomley continues to log quality starts for the Bulldogs (4-7, 2-2 4A IEL), striking out 10 Bears in each game while yielding just 11 hits in 14 innings of work.

“She was over-powering them,” said Bulldogs head coach Derek Dickinson, calling her the best pitcher he’s ever had. “She was sharp, fresh, and they had a hard time catching up with her.”

Freshman Cody Baldree drove in two runs on two hits in game one, and Breanna Buchmiller added two hits as the Bulldogs scored all the runs they would need in a three-run first inning, setting the tone for the day. Dickenson also said Mamie Mitchell’s defense at second base in game one was “awesome.”

Jordan Speelmon had two hits and scored four runs in the nightcap, as the Bulldogs trailed 5-1 before staging a late-inning rally. Jacey Lawson score the winning run in the bottom of the 7th, after a stolen base put her in position to score on an RBI groundout by Buchmiller.

Dickinson said it was the first time his team has swept a league foe, and believes his team is right where it needs to be heading into districts.

“There is no quit in them, they keep fighting,” said Dickenson, praising the play of Speelmon. “Jordan continues to swing a hot bat.”

The Bulldogs host Lake City on Thursday.

Game 1

Moscow    000 010 1 — 2   5   4

Sandpoint 300 022 x — 7   8   3

Casey Bottomley and Jessica Strickland. W — Bottomley (4-7).

Hits: Spt — Speelmon, Buchmiller 2, Baldree 2, Elsfelder, Smith, Williams. 2B — Elsfelder. 3B — Speelmon.

Game 2

Moscow   010 401 0 — 6   6   3

Sandpoint 100 032 1 —  7   7   7

Bottomley and Strickland. W — Bottomley.

Hits: Spt — Speelmon 2, Buchmiller, Baldree, Strickland 2, Williams. 3B — Baldree.