Loggers rally in win over Lakers

Clinging to a 6-5 lead heading into the final inning, the Kalispell Lakers erupted for a five-spot on the scoreboard to build a comfortable lead in the opening game of an American Legion baseball doubleheader at Libby on Sunday.

But the Loggers soon broke through the opponent’s comfort zone and staged a memorable rally. Down 11-5 going into the bottom of the seventh, Libby scored seven runs to stun the opponent in a 12-11 victory.

Joe Coker, who started the seventh with a single, ended the game in the same inning with another single – the latter responsible for the game-winning RBI.

Chris Herbig, Colt Cannon and Coker all had base-loaded singles in that final frame. In all, Libby had five singles and four walks in the seventh while sending 10 batters to the plate.

‘We came alive offensively which was encouraging,” said Morford, referring to Libby’s struggles at the plate early this season.

The Loggers hit fairly well in the nightcap as well but Kalispell fought off all rally attempts this time around for a 17-12 win.

The Lakers took advantage of Libby miscues in the first game and Morford felt that impacted his pitching staff.

“We made a few errors defensively and it set the tone for the pitchers throwing a lot of pitches,” Morford said. “They had baserunners all over all day long.”

Libby committed eight errors in the opening game.

Offensively, Cannon went 3-for-4 with two RBIs, Coker finished 3-for-5 with two RBIs and Derek Willis contributed a 2-for-4 effort with one RBI. Adam Stapley had a double.

Coker’s two hits in the seventh was just one aspect to his great day. Back in the third inning, Coker nailed a solo home run.

Cannon started at pitcher and went 5 1/3 innings. He allowed six hits and five walks while striking out seven. Of the six runs scored with Cannon on the mound, two were earned.

Eric Riddle relieved to go the final 1 2/3 innings. He allowed six hits and three walks with five runs – four of those earned.

In the second game, walks and errors hurt Libby. Stapley, Zach Watson, Coker and Riddle all saw time on the mound and as a team, the Loggers had 12 walks. The defense committed five errors.

The Lakers broke open a 5-5 deadlock in the fourth inning with three runs. Kalispell added five more in the fifth to build a 13-5 lead.

Libby tried to stage another comeback and at one point had the game-tying run in the on-deck circle. But the Lakers limited the damage and kept their own offensive fireworks going for the win.

Dustin Morningstar went 4-for-4 with one RBI. Coker was 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Herbig went 2-for-5 with one RBI and Stapley had a double and two RBIs.

Libby goes to 2-2 in the conference, 12-14 overall, and will host the Big Bucks Tournament Friday through Sunday.