by Scott Sacry, Sports Editor
The Bitterroot Bucs played five games over three days at the Firecracker Tournament in Polson. On July 4, they defeated the Kootenai Valley Rangers 10-0. On July 5, they lost to the Lethbridge Lakers 10-11, and defeated the South Valley Screwballs 11-0. Then on July 6, they defeated the Mission Valley Mariners 2-1 and lost to the Mariners 1-2.
Bucs 10, Rangers 0
On July 4, the Bucs defeated the Kootenai Valley Rangers 10-0 in 6 innings. Bucs pitcher Alden Crawford got the shutout win, allowing 2 hits and striking out 7 batters. At the plate for the Bucs, Caleb Katen went 2 for 3, scored 3 runs and had an RBI. Wes Potter went 1 for 3 with an RBI, and Chase Wagner went 1 for 3 and scored 2 runs.
Bucs 10, Lakers 11
On July 5, the Bucs were defeated by the Lethbridge Lakers 10-11. At the plate for the Bucs, Chase Wagner went 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs, Mason Arlington went 1 for 3 and scored a run, and Calan Rocco went 1 for 1 with 2 RBIs.
Bucs 11, Screwballs 0
On July 5, the Bucs defeated the South Valley Screwballs 11-0 in 5 innings. Bucs pitchers Mason Arlington and Caleb Katen combined for a no hitter – Arlington went 4 innings and struck out 9 batters. At the plate, Arlington went 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs. Also at the plate for the Bucs, Caleb Katen went 4 for 4 with 3 RBIs, and Cole Germane went 1 for 2 with an RBI.
Bucs 2, Mariners 1
On July 6, the Bucs defeated the Mission Valley Rangers 2-1. Bucs pitcher Joey Wheeler struck out 5 batters and got the win. At the plate for the Bucs, Drew Wagner went 2 for 4 and scored a run. Mason Arlington went 2 for 3, and McCoy Endres went 1 for 4 and scored a run.
Drew Wagner of the Bitterroot Bucs won the Home Run Derby championship ring at the Firecracker Tournament in Polson over the 4th of July weekend. The Bucs won three games and lost two at the tournament. Photo courtesy of Mission Valley Mariners Baseball.
Bucs 1, Mariners 2
Finally, on July 6, the Bucs lost to the Mission Valley Rangers 1-2. At the plate for the Bucs, Joey Wheeler went 1 for 4 with an RBI, Caleb Katen went 1 for 4 and scored a run, and Chase Wagner hit a double.