Baldree strikes out 11 in big win for Bulldogs

SANDPOINT — Bri Baldree was dealing for the Bulldogs in their home opener, striking out 11 and walking just two while spinning a five hitter, as Sandpoint handed Cheney its first loss of the season in a 5-3 win in nonleague softball Saturday at Sandpoint Middle School.

The Bulldogs (3-1) plated all five of their runs in a huge third inning, and that was all their left-handed ace needed for run support.

“She moved the ball around the strike zone and dominated Cheney’s line-up from top to bottom,” praised Bulldog head coach Elizabeth Hawkins-Williams of her senior. “Each game she has pitched has been more fun to watch than the one before. She is truly developing into something special.”

Cheney (9-1) jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, before the Bulldogs rallied in the pivotal third inning. After Kaitlan Ward doubled to put runners on second and third, Baldree executed a perfect squeeze bunt to score Bri Barlow, which seemed to ignite the offense, followed by Zoe Speelmon and Tanis Davis each driving in two with a pair of big hits.

“It was an exciting start to a five-run inning,” said Hawkins-Williams. “As a coach, I know it’s going to be a great day when the entire line up is hitting the ball hard. It was a hard-battled game, and we were able to close the door with our defense and pitching for the win.”

The Bulldogs host Moscow in a big 4A IEL doubleheader on Tuesday.

Cheney 100 011 0 — 3 5 1

Sandpoint 005 000 x — 5 7 1

Bri Baldree and Ember Dewey; M. Kallsen and S. Melton. W — Baldree (3-1). L — Kallsen.

HITS: Cheney — Barsness 2, Johnstone, M. Krantz, L. Krantz. Spt — Barlow, Ward 2, Nicholson, Speelmon 2, Davis. 2B — Barsness, M. Krantz, Ward. 3B — L. Krantz.

Bulldog JV wins slugfest

Brooklen Steiger hit a double among her three hits, and Jacie Irish picked up the win, as the Bulldog JV team scored an 18-14 win over Cheney in a high scoring affair on Saturday.