The Bitterroot Red Sox will advance to the American Legion Class A regional finals in Lewistown, Idaho, this week. The Red Sox finished second behind the Glacier Twins. After trailing by eight runs, the Red Sox rallied to score six runs in the sixth inning. The rally began with an error by Glacier. Then Matt Brown hit a base hit. Hunter Omlid followed with a home run and Bridon Bowman grounded out. Omlid was 2-for-3 with two RBIs.
The two teams met in the undefeated game earlier on Friday. In a close match-up, the Twins came out ahead, 2-1, and sent the Red Sox to the consolation bracket. The game had a two-hour rain delay and didn’t finish until late Friday night.
The Red Sox played Gallatin Valley in loser out action and a chance to advance to the championship game. It was a defensive game with only two hits. Bowman pitched a complete game for the Red Sox and had one strike out. Tanner Goligoski hit the go-ahead run in for the Red Sox in the 2-1 victory.
The Red Sox began their quest for a championship against the Lewistown Red Birds. However, a 2 RBI double by Omlid and Matt Brown spurred the Red Sox to an 11-0 victory. Garrick Richardson pitched the shutout. The Red Sox then took on Belgrade. Omlid pitched a shutout wile Richardson hit a grand slam. The Red Sox won, 11-0.
The Bitterroot Red Sox, with their second place finish, will move on to the Regional Tournament in Lewiston, Idaho. That tournament begins this Friday, August 10. They are fundraising and will be accepting donations from private parties or businesses. Please contact 406-241-0122, or drop it off at Shirts Etc. to Chris Burt at 931 N. 1st Street in Hamilton between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Their first game is against Lewiston at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.