Softball sees rough start, Tigers sweep

SPIRIT LAKE — The Badger softball team had a rough start against the Timberlake Tigers on Friday, as nine players were struck out in the first game of the doubleheader.

“We finally got our timing right and started hitting off [Timberlake pitcher Acacia Pecor] in the bottom of the third inning,” Bonners Ferry coach Cynthia Sumpter said.

Timberlake was able to score off several fielding errors, nabbing up 10 runs in the first and 12 in the third. By then the Badgers were in a deep hole but didn’t give up.

“Once we got on the bases we ran aggressively with confidence,” Sumpter said.

In Game 2, the Badgers had two hits, but didn’t score a run.

Timberlake sophomore Marissa Needs scored seven runs and drove in three on the day for Timberlake, which clinched the league title. The Tigers will host the best-of-three 3A District 1 championship series starting May 8.

Senior Ashley Grantham hit a three-run home run in the third inning of the first game for Timberlake (7-5, 2-0 IML).

Hampering the team’s ability to practice has been draining issues on the Badger softball field, however, additional sand was added to the infield earlier this week, which should help, officials said

Sumpter said the team is excited to be able to consistently practice on the field.

Bonners Ferry is 0-8, 0-2.

GAME 1

Bonners Ferry 001 21 — 4 7 9

Timberlake (10)5(12) 3x — 30 11 2

Game called in 5th inning due to 10-run rule.

Jodee Curtis and Ava Frederickson; Acacia Pecor and Logan Walsh. W — Pecor. L — Curtis.

HITS: BF — K. Sumpter, Falck, Curtis, T. Sumpter 2, Frederickson, Koehn. TL — Dykes, Walsh 3, Grantham 2, Needs 2, Whaley 2, Cameron. 2B — Walsh. 3B — Frederickson, Whaley. HR — Grantham.

GAME 2

Bonners Ferry 000 00 — 0 2 5

Timberlake 756 0x — 18 8 2

Game called in 5th inning due to 10-run rule.

Taylor Sumpter and Ava Frederickson; Marissa Needs and Logan Walsh. W — Needs. L — Sumpter.

HITS: BF — Curtis, Frederickson. TL — Dykes, Kitchin, Walsh 2, Pecor 2, Needs, Whaley. 2B — Pecor.