Magro drives in six runs in tough season-ending loss

Magro drives in six runs in tough season-ending loss to Lewiston

MOSCOW — Logan Magro smacked a three-run homer and added a two-run double, leading the Peak Sand and Gravel Lakers in a 12-11 loss to Lewiston to end the season last weekend at the U19 American Legion District Tournament in Moscow.

After notching a pair of extra inning wins over Coeur d’Alene and Lewiston to open the tournament, Sandpoint ran out of pitching in the semis, playing some younger pitchers and falling 10-0 to Moscow in the double-elimination tournament.

“We didn’t have the same energy and intensity,” said Sandpoint head coach Scott Fitchett, noting Levi Irish had the team’s only hit. “Moscow didn’t really hit the ball that well, we just didn’t hit at all and made some mistakes on defense.”

The loss set up a rematch with Lewiston, which Sandpoint beat 7-2 in the first meeting. Patrick Kummer started on one day’s rest, and was relieved by Wes Holland, who had logged four innings the previous day, and Lewiston jumped out to an 8-1 lead. Three of the runs came on a disputed home run call, which Sandpoint felt was foul.

Magro later had a two-RBI double to spark the team, which cut the lead to 8-5 before Lewiston answered to go up 12-5 in the sixth inning. Magro launched a 3-run homer as Sandpoint plated six runs to cut the lead to 12-11 heading into the final frame.

Sandpoint made some noise in the seventh with Nick Holland starting things off with a single, before Paul Sunquist smoked a ball to center, but right at the outfielder, who caught the ball to help preserve the win.

“Between the (disputed) home run and Sundquist’s shot, three or four feet and we’re in the championship,” conceded Fitchett. “Lewiston came back and beat Moscow twice for the championship.”

Fitchett praised the play of Nate Stangel, who missed much of his senior season with injury and turned out late for Legion, who had some strong at-bats and delivered the RBI to make it 12-11.

He also had high praise for Nick Holland, who swung a hot bat to back some gold glove defense behind the plate.

“Nick played the best baseball I’ve ever seen him play, making several great defensive plays,” described Fitchett of his backstop, whose quick release and strong arm shut down the opposing running game. “He threw out five of six steal attempts, and the one that was safe I thought was out.”

Caleb Edlund continues to emerge at shortstop, and Aaron Wolthers swung a hot bat during the tournament, as Sandpoint (10-17) finished the season strong after struggling early.

“We finished third in the tourney for the second straight year,” said Fitchett, “but this time showed ourselves as legitimate contenders to win it all.”