Bulldogs 'get monkey off back' with win

SANDPOINT — Aggressive base running by senior Chase Rodriguez manufactured the winning run, as the Bulldogs ended a lengthy losing streak with a 3-2 win over Bonners Ferry on Tuesday in a home opener at Pine St. Field.

With the game tied at 2-2 in the fifth inning, Rodriguez laid down a perfect bunt to reach first, then promptly stole second. In a rare occurence, the hustling Rodrizuez would score the winning run from second on a ground out, jumping up and pumping his fist after the umpire signaled safe.

The Bulldogs (1-5) picked up their first win in two seasons, ending a 28 game losing streak and giving first year manager Scott Fitchett his first win as a varsity baseball coach.

“It’s nice to get that monkey off our back. We have bigger and better goals, but the longer that (streak) went, the tougher it would get. That’s step one,” said Fitchett. “For a team that hasn’t won in so long, we showed a fair amount of poise.”

Rodriguez, who came in to pitch in the second inning and went the rest of the way, struck out eight to earn the win.

Paul Sundquist continues to produce at the plate, smacking two hits and stealing a base. Fitchett, who admits there will be a steep learning curve this year, liked how his team competed.

“We played to win,” said Fitchett. “That was a glimpse of what we hope to be. We hit the ball on the screws a few times.”

Kevin Gray hit a home run for the Badgers (2-3) in the first game, one of their three hits. The Badgers led 5-1 when the second game of the doubleheader was called in the fourth inning due to darkness, one inning short of being an official game.

Bear Youngdahl started the second game for Sandpoint, and Kyle Perry registered two steals before the game was called.

Sandpoint is at Lewiston in a doubleheader on Friday.

Bonners Ferry  100 100 0 — 2    3    2

Sandpoint         100 110 x — 3    5    2

Malaki Smith, Chase Rodriguez (2) and Paul Sundquist; Vince Bennett and Kevin Gray. W — Rodriguez (1-2). L — Bennett.

HITS: BF — Gering, Bennett, Gray. Spt — Rodriguez, Pearlstein, Sundquist 2, Perry. 2B — Pearlstein. HR — Gray.