Bulldogs fall to Badgers

BONNERS FERRY — Another slow start for Sandpoint, coupled with a strong performance by Bonners Ferry pitcher Kadi Bateman, led the Badgers to an 11-4 win over the Bulldogs in nonleague softball Thursday in Bonners Ferry.

The Bulldogs (1-5) were once again plagued by a slow start, as the Badgers (4-0) plated six first inning runs, which would be more than enough for Bateman, who struck out 10 in a complete game four hitter.

“Beginning of games on defense has been really hard for us this year,” said Bulldog head coach Elizabeth Hawkins-Williams. “They’re not mentally ready at the beginning of games.”

Bri Baldree had two RBIs, and tallied six strikeouts after relieving Audrey Mattila in the second inning. The Bulldogs committed seven errors, highly unusual for a team that rarely has more than three, many in the rough first inning.

Hawkins-Williams praised the bat of leadoff hitter Bri Barlow in defeat, noting she was on base three times today.

“Barlow is putting the ball in play, on a six game hitting streak. She’s seeing the ball well, getting her timing down,” said Hawkins-Williams, also praising the defense of Tanis Davis at the hot corner. “Tanis is playing great third base, making the plays that we need her to make.”

The Bulldogs host West Valley tomorrow in a home opener, with first pitch at 4 p.m. at Sandpoint Middle School.

Sandpoint 102 001 0 — 4 4 7

Bonners Ferry 622 001 x — 11 14 3

Audrey Mattila, Bri Baldree (2) and Ember Dewey. W — Kadi Bateman. L — Mattila (0-1).

HITS: Spt — Barlow, Dewey, Baldree, Davis. 2B — Baldree.

n Bulldog JV blows out Badgers

Jaycie Irish was sharp on the mound, holding the Badgers scoreless in her innings of work, and Aidan Webster came in and shut things down, leading the Bulldogs to a 21-4 win.

“They hit really well,” described Hawkins-Williams, also praising the work of catcher Zoey Barajas. “They played great on defense, and Jaycie shut them out.”

n Ward, Garman go deep in JV win

The Bulldog JV softball team beat Priest River 13-4 recently, with Kinzie Ward hitting a grand slam home run and Madi Garman hitting a home run. Aidan Webster started on the mound and Nyesha Fleming caught. Webster tallied five strike outs to earn the win. Jaycie Irish relieved her in the 5th inning and closed out the game.