Norris, Edlund help Bulldogs earn split

SANDPOINT — With the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh inning in the opener, Sandpoint senior Davan Norris struck out and the Hawks won 6-2 in the opener of a 4A Inland Empire League baseball doubleheader on Tuesday at War Memorial Field.

But baseball offers the quickest redemption of any sport, and there Norris stood in the batter’s box of the second game, with his team trailing by one. This time he delivered, sending the game in to extra innings, where the Bulldogs (8-11, 3-3 4A IEL) would go on to win a wild 9-8 game in the 11th inning.

The Bulldogs trailed 7-5 in the bottom of the seventh, and it looked like a sweep was in the cards.

“That’s the most grit we’ve displayed in three years. Resilience, both individually and collectively. We will not give in,” said Bulldogs head coach Scott Fitchett. “Davan strikes out with the bases loaded to end the first game, but showed mental toughness with a big hit and a great bunt.”

Dylan Schilling pitched a strong game in the opener to lead the Hawks (7-11, 3-3 4A IEL), who plated five runs in the third inning and made the lead stand up.

It looked like the Hawks were set to earn the sweep in the nightcap, and gain a big edge in the race to host districts, but the Bulldogs had other ideas.

“Baseball is a funny game. We had it won in the seventh,” said Hawks head coach Jason Bradbury. “Games like that are fun. One of those deals where who wants it bad enough.”

Now all three 4A North teams are sitting at .500 in league play, with a huge doubleheader between these same two teams slated for Saturday. Despite losing a tough game, Bradbury realized it’s still anyone’s game.

“We got a split and live to fight another day,” he said, casting an eye to Saturday’s showdown. “Those will be two biggies.”

Caleb Edlund had four hits in the second game to lead Sandpoint, and Paul Sundquist added two big doubles and scored three times, while Caiden Oliver continues to be a factor on the base paths.

All three teams still control their own destiny, putting extra importance on Saturday.

“Whichever team plays its game better. Who’s going to make a mistake?” asked Fitchett. “All three teams are really evenly matched. Saturday is going to be fun.”

The Bulldogs and Hawks square off Saturday in Rathdrum, with first pitch slated for high noon.

Game 1

Lakeland 005 100 0 — 6 9 2

Sandpoint 010 000 1 — 2 7 1

Dylan Schilling, Pote (7) and Bradbury; Tyrone Larson, Walker Jacobson (3), Preston Pettit (7) and Nick Holland. W — Schilling. L — Larson.

HITS: LL — Pote, Baker, McDaniel 2, Bradbury 2, Mackesy, Strietzel 2. Spt — Edlund, Sundquist 2, Flint, N. Holland, Norris, W. Holland. 3B — Baker.

Game 2

Lakeland 021 120 100 01 — 8 12 4

Sandpoint 203 000 200 02 — 9 12 2

Bradbury, Mackesy (3), Streitzel (3), Pote 10 and Aiken; Patrick Kummer, Talon Dewey (5), Preston Pettit (8) and N. Holland. W — Pettit. L — Pote.

HITS: LL — Pote, Baker 2, Nielson 3, Bradbury, Blood, D. Zaken 2. Spt — Oliver 2, Edlund 4, Sundquist 2, W. Holland, Norris 2, Pettit.