Bulldogs split with Bears

MOSCOW — It was a tale of two games for the Bulldogs on Wednesday in a 4A Inland Empire League softball doubleheader at Moscow, but at the end of the day, the No. 2 seed was secure for the upcoming district tournament.

The Bears (1-7 4A IEL) came out hot in the opener, breaking open a 1-0 game in the fifth inning with seven runs in the 12-2 win.

“They played lights out against us in that first game,” said Bulldogs head coach Derek Dickinson. “They really took it to us.”

The Bulldogs (7-11, 3-5 4A IEL) wasted little time turning the tide in the nightcap, plating a whopping 10 runs in the first inning en route to a 15-5 win in a game called after the fifth inning due to the 10-run rule.

Hot-hitting Jordan Speelmon had four hits and two doubles on the day, and set the tone early in the second game with a leadoff double.

“We came back, tipped our hats, and said now we’re going to go get that second game,” said Dickinson. “We jumped on them with 10 runs and put that game away. We spread the wealth around and contributed throughout the lineup.”

Breanna Buchmiller scored three runs in the second game, Mamie Mitchell and Topi Elsfelder each had two RBIs and freshmen Cody Baldree and Bre Williams continue to provide a presence in the middle of the order.

Casey Bottomley allowed just four hits in the second game, and finished the day with nine strikeouts.

The No. 2 seed Bulldogs now turn their attention to a rematch with No. 3 seed Moscow on Tuesday at 3 p.m. in Lakeland, with the winner advancing to face the No. 1 seed Hawks later that night.

Game 1

Sandpoint 100 001 0 — 2   6   2

Moscow    000 073 x — 10  12  1

Bottomley and Strickland. L — Bottomley.  

Hits: Spt — Speelmon 2, Buchmiller, Baldree, Smith, Mitchell. 2B — Speelmon.

Game 2

Sandpoint  (10)30 02 — 15   10   4

Moscow          005 00 — 5     4    2

Bottomley and Strickland. W — Bottomley.

Hits: Spt — Speelmon 2, Buchmiller, Baldree, Williams, Elsfelder, Calvert 2, Bluemer, Mitchell. 2B — Speelmon, Williams.