Bulldogs notch rare win over 5A Bengals

LEWISTON — Freshman Bri Baldree struck out eight batters in a complete game effort, and added an inside-the-park home run, leading the Bulldogs to a 9-7 win over Lewiston in the opener of a nonleague softball doubleheader Thursday at Lewiston High School.

Junior Cody Baldree hit three doubles and scored three runs to provide run support for her younger sister, as the Bulldogs (1-2) beat the Bengals for the first time in several years.

Head coach Elizabeth Hawkins praised her team’s approach en route to a 12 hit game.

“We hit really well, and were patient in the batter’s box,” said Hawkins, noting the defense was making the routine outs to back a strong game from Bri Baldree. “She pitched a great game. She battled in there and worked in front of the count.”

Topi Elsfelder had two hits and two RBIs, and catcher Sam Holland, Alison Calvert and Nycole Moreland each ripped doubles, while Lily Martin and Morgan Bluemer added hits in the opener.

In the nightcap, the Bulldogs started strong, with Bluemer getting a two-RBI double, Holland adding a double and the Baldree sisters and Calvert hitting singles to post five early runs, but the Bulldogs could not hold on, falling 17-5.

Nycole Moreland went the distance on the mound for the Bulldogs in defeat. Hawkins hopes splitting with a solid 5A program is a sign of good things to come.

“It builds confidence and credibility for the program and everything we’re trying to do for Sandpoint softball,” she said.

The Bulldogs host Priest River on Saturday.