by Scott Sacry
The baseball teams from Florence and Hamilton are headed to the State Tournament in Missoula on May 16-18. Florence is the #1 seed from the Southwest; their record is 15-1 and they have won 14 straight games. They play their first round game in Missoula on Thursday, May 16th at 1:30 at Ogren Field at Allegiance Park.
Hamilton is the #2 seed out of the Southwest; their record is 16-3 and they have won 11 straight games. On Saturday, May 11th, they defeated Lone Peak 2-1 in the state play-in game to earn a spot in the state tournament. Hamilton plays Columbia Falls, the Northwest’s #1 seed, in the first round on Thursday, May 16th at 6:30 pm in Missoula at Ogren Field at Allegiance Park.
Baseball roundup
Hamilton 2, Lone Peak 1
On Saturday, May 11th, Hamilton hosted Lone Peak in a state play-in game and won 2-1. Hamilton starting pitcher Cash Lawrence struck out 7 and only allowed two hits, while Jackson Lubke got the save. With the score tied in the bottom of the seventh, Hamilton’s Toby DeMoss hit into a fielder’s choice, scoring Hunter Harrness and sending the Broncs to the State tournament.
Hamilton 6, Dillon 2
On Wednesday, May 8th, Hamilton hosted Dillon and won 6-2, thanks in part to a five-run 5th inning. For Hamilton, Hunter Harrness went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, Jackson Jessop went 2 for 2 and scored a run, and Jackson Jubke, Conner Ekin and Tyce O’Connell each had RBIs.
Florence 15, Butte High 6
On Thursday, May 7th, Florence hosted Butte High and won 15-6. This was their 14th straight win as they wrapped up the Southwest’s #1 seed for State. Florence pitcher Jake Roth got the win and had 10 strikeouts. At the plate for Florence, Caleb Katen hit a home run, Drew Wagner went 3 for 3 with 3 runs, Isaiah Testerman had 2 RBIs, and Mason Arlington, Chase Wagner, and Jake Roth all had 2 hits and an RBI.
Corvallis 5, Whitefish 4
On Friday, May 10th, Corvallis defeated Whitefish 5-4 despite only getting two hits, both doubles by Brandon Brenneman and Maurice Craun. Corvallis pitcher Bobby Truc came in as relief and struck out three and gave up no hits in three innings.
Stevensville 12, Butte Central 2
On Tuesday, May 7th, Stevensville got their first win in convincing fashion, 12-2. Evan Montague went 3 for 3, stole 3 bases, scored 3 runs and struck out 8 batters as pitcher Cole Germane went 1 for 3 with 3 RBIs. Jackson Guenzler went 1 for 4 with 3 RBIs, and Shane Ayers and Drake Springer each had RBIs.
Stevensville 9, Troy 3
Stevensville defeated Troy 9-3 on Saturday, May 11th. For Stevensville, Corbin Mauler went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs, Treyzan Frost went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs, and David Djokic went 1 for 2 with 3 RBIs. Evan Montague had 6 strikeouts on the mound for the ‘Jackets.