Strong pitching leads Bulldogs to sweep of Bears

SANDPOINT — After a tough shutout loss to Timberlake on Monday, Bulldog head coach Chase Tigers said his team could either bear down or bury their head, with a huge doubleheader with Moscow looming on the horizon.

Bear down it is, as strong pitching performances from Tyrone Larson, Thomas Riley and Preston Pettit helped lead the Bulldogs to a 9-7, 4-2 doubleheader sweep over the Bears on Thursday in 4A Inland Empire League baseball at War Memorial Field.

Larson is now 3-0 on the year after holding Moscow in check in the opener for five innings, before Pettit came in to pick up the first of two saves on the day in relief. Larson also drove a ground rule double over the fence, Alex Stockton had three hits, two RBIs and two steals, and Trey Flint two hits and two RBIs to lead the offense. Jacob Cometto added two hits and was a factor on the bases with three steals, and Preston Pettit added two RBIs as the Bulldogs (9-4, 4-2 4A IEL) plated six runs in a big third inning.

Stockton also made a great catch in deep right center, getting a great jump on a drive to the gap and robbing extra bases.

“The way we bounced back and learned from mistakes,” said Tigert of the key to the first game. “We came together and played some really good baseball. This feels good.”

Riley took the ball in the nightcap, and threw five strong innings, striking out six to run his record to 2-0. Pettit once again came in and got the final six outs, earning his second save. Tigert liked his pitchers’ willingness to battle.

“These guys got on the bump and competed to the very end,” said Tigert. “Preston was lights out as a closer, with confidence and poise.”

Flint ripped a two-run triple and Tyler Shaffer had two hits to lead the offense in the second game, scoring just enough to reward a strong pitching performance.

With Moscow now at 3-3 and Lakeland at 1-3 in league play, the Bulldogs hold the edge at 4-2 for the right to host districts, but there is still some work to be done with a doubleheader looming next week against Lakeland.

“The wins put us in the driver’s seat,” admitted Tigert. “Nothing is given. We’ll continue with our grind, and come out and battle Lakeland.”

Sandpoint hosts Bonners Ferry in a doubleheader on Wednesday.

Game 1

Moscow 040 201 0 — 7 6 4

Sandpoint 206 010 x — 9 13 1

Tyrone Larson, Preston Pettit (6) and Hunter Donahoe. W — Larson (3-0).

Spt hits — Shaffer, Lehman, Flint, Stockton, Larson 2, Pettit, Cometto 2, Donahoe. 2B — Stockton, Larson, Pettit, Cometto.

Game 2

Moscow 101 000 0 — 2 8 3

Sandpoint 020 200 x — 4 6 0

Thomas Riley, Pettit (6) and Donahoe. W — Riley (2-0).

Spt hits — Shaffer 2, Lehman, Flint, Stockton, Cometto. 3B — Flint.