Bulldogs struggle in shutout against Tigers
(Photo by ERIC PLUMMER) Sandpoint shortstop Billy Brackett covers third and applies a tag after a strike from first baseman Tyrone Larson for an inning-ending double play.
(Photo by ERIC PLUMMER) Sandpoint senior Tyler Shaffer was effective while pitching a scoreless third and fourth inning in defeat.
SANDPOINT — Seth Villanpondo spun a three-hit shutout, leading Timberlake to an 11-0 blanking of Sandpoint on Monday in nonleague baseball at War Memorial Field.
Jacob James had two hits and three RBIs, and Logan McDonald scored twice to lead the Tigers (9-4) offensively, more than enough run support for Villanpondo, who struck out two while letting his defense work behind him.
“Coming out here and pushing through. Everybody played defense phenomenally today,” said Villanpondo, who kept things simple and worked ahead all game. “Trying to get the first pitch strike as much as I can.”
Timberlake scored five runs in the second and fifth innings, as the Bulldogs (7-4) had one of those game where nothing went their way. The few balls they hit hard off Villanpondo found a defender.
Sandpoint struggled with walks and hit batters, as the Tigers cashed in the free baserunners with timely hits. It was the toughest game of the year for the Bulldogs, who loaded the bases with one out in the fourth inning but couldn’t get on the board and close a 6-0 lead.
“Games like this are a blessing in disguise. You never really know what’s going to happen, and days like this test you,” said Bulldog head coach Chase Tigert. “You can either bear down and get after Moscow, or bury your head. We’ll make adjustments and take it to Moscow on Thursday.”
Right fielder Alex Stockton gunned down a runner at third base, and Tyrone Larson had a nice assist from first base to third for a 5-3-6 inning-ending double play for the Bulldogs.
Timberlake (9-4) is at Kellogg today.
Sandpoint hosts Moscow on Thursday in a huge home doubleheader.
Timberlake 150 05 — 11 6 1
Sandpoint 000 00 — 0 3 3
Seth Villanpondo and Louis Powell; Tyler Lehman, Tyler Shaffer (3), Tristan Authier (5) and Hunter Donahoe. W — Villanpondo. L — Lehman (2-2).
HITS: LL — Powell 2, McDonald, Mullin, James 2. Spt — Lehman, Stockton, Riley.