by Scott Sacry
The Bitterroot Red Sox and the Bitterroot Bucs completed their 2024 baseball season at the Montana/Alberta American Legion Class A West District tournament in Florence on July 25-28.
The wind and thunderstorm last Wednesday knocked down a large pine tree and damaged the fence at the Bucs’ field in Florence, but the community and volunteers rallied to have the field ready to begin tournament play on Thursday.
The Red Sox made it to the undefeated semifinal game by winning their first two games. They then lost their final two games, and finished the season with a record of 28-12.
The Bucs won one game and lost two games and ended their season with a record of 26-14.
The Glacier Twins won the tournament and are headed to state in Polson this weekend.
Class A West District Results
Red Sox 1, Missoula Mavericks 0
In their opening round game on Thursday, July 25, the Red Sox defeated the Mavericks 1-0 in 12 innings. In a pitchers’ duel, the Red Sox’s Atticus Southwell singled in Owen Marston in the bottom of the 12th to earn the victory for the Red Sox. Red Sox pitchers Cash Lawrence and Brandon Brenneman combined for the shutout.
Red Sox 4, Mission Valley Mariners 3
In the second round on Friday, July 26, the Red Sox defeated the Mariners 4-3. The Red Sox trailed 1-3 going into the 7th inning, but scored three runs in the bottom of the 7th to get the victory. Brandon Brenneman went 2 for 3 with an RBI, and Jackson Lubke, Resse Earp, Atticus Southwell, Hunter Harrness, Toby DeMoss and Elijah McNair each had hits.
Red Sox 4, Glacier Twins 7
In the undefeated semifinal game on Saturday, July 27, the Red Sox were defeated by the Glacier Twins 4-7. Atticus Southwell hit a 2-run home run, Brandon Brenneman went 2 for 2 and scored a run, and Toby DeMoss went 1 for 3 with an RBI.
Red Sox 4, Kalispell Lakers 11
On Sunday, July 28, the Red Sox were defeated by the Kalispell Lakers 4-11. Reese Earp and Atticus Southwell each went 2 for 4 and scored a run. Hunter Harrness went 2 for 4 with an RBI, and Conner Ekin, Toby Demoss, and Elijah McNair each had RBIs.
Bucs 6, Mission Valley Mariners 7
In their opening game on Thursday, July 25, the Bucs led 6-0 going into the 7th inning, but gave up seven runs in the final inning to lose 6-7. For the Bucs, Jake Roth went 4 for 4 with an RBI, Joey Wheeler went 2 for 4 and scored a run, and Drew Wagner, Braelon Bahm and Chase Wagner all had an RBI. Bucs pitcher Mason Arlington struck out seven batters.
Bucs 14, Missoula Mavericks 4
On Friday, July 26, the Bucs defeated the Mavericks 14-4 by scoring 10 unanswered runs after going down 0-4 in the top of the first inning. Drew Wagner went 2 for 4 with a home run and three RBIs, Jake Roth went 3 for 4, scored 3 runs and had 3 RBIs, and Isaiah Testerman went 3 for 4, scored 3 runs and had 3 RBIs.
Bucs 6, Kalispell Lakers 11
On Saturday, July 27, the Bucs finished their season with a 6-11 loss to Kalispell. Jake Roth went 2 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs, Wes Potter went 2 for 4 with an RBI, and Chase Wagner and Joey Wheeler each added an RBI.