Eureka takes 2 over Libby on diamond

Colt Cannon’s pitching performance was nearly perfect.

Cannon threw a one-hitter and fanned 11 Kootenai Valley batters on Sunday in a performance that usually indicates victory. But Rangers hurler Josh Soderling also threw a gem on a four-hitter with 10 strikeouts.

The difference turned out to be a pair of walks by Cannon. Those baserunners came around to score in a 2-1 victory in the first of two games against the Rangers.

Chris Herbig, Joe Coker, Derek Willis and Adam Stapley collected hits for the Loggers. Coker and Willis reached on doubles and Stapley had the lone RBI in the seventh inning.

In the nightcap, errors played a role in the outcome with Libby taking one on the chin, 18-8.

The Rangers scored six runs in the second and four in the third to pull away. The Loggers scored in five of the seven innings with six hits but 10 errors were too much to overcome. The game ended in the bottom of the sixth on the 10-run rule.

Joe Coker hit a home run and had two RBIs. Cannon and Willis each had two hits.

Eric Stevenson took the loss at pitcher.

The Loggers now get ready to host this weekend’s Wood Bat Tournament. Libby will open on Friday with a 7:30 p.m. matchup against Missoula. On Saturday, the Loggers face Strathmore at 8 p.m. On Sunday, Libby takes on Cranbrook at 7 p.m. And wrapping up the tourney on Monday, the Loggers will play Eureka.