Legends win alumni game; Loggers then sweep twinbill
<p>Andrew Haggerty, left, exchanges base hit "knucks" with Josh Foote top of the fifth inning in Saturday's Loggers/Legends alumni game.</p>
The Loggers returned to conference play Sunday night against the Kalispell Lakers, winning the American Legion Baseball double header 8-5 and 5-3.
The Loggers now hold a conference record of 8-2.
Sweeping the twinbill, it was a great place to re-enter the season after a team of former Loggers baseball players topped their you ger counterparts 20-19 in the annual alumni game Saturday evening. To keep players fresh for upcoming games, the game was set for an afternoon softball game with past Loggers.
In the first game against the Lakers, Libby showed up for another slugfest, driving 11 hits off losing pitcher Zack Sands and another three off backup Walker Malmin in the seventh.
The Loggers earned seven of their eight runs in the first two innings on only five batters, as Luke Haggerty and Jared Winslow scored on their first two at bats. Andrew Haggerty did his share on offense, scoring one run in the first and another in the seventh.
In game one, the Lakers made a double play turned by Justin Rich and Chandler Eaves to force Oliver Grupenhoff out at first and Micah Germany at third.
Winning pitcher Will Reichel allowed only three earned runs in the five innings before he was relieved by Germany and Winslow to close out the first game.
Game two was a defensive gem by both sides. Kalispell’s active infield proved to be a different team, but fell short with only three runs scored. Winning pitcher Luke Haggerty and Micah Germany teamed for the win.
The Lakers outhit the Loggers 10-9 as Kalispell entered the seventh down by one run. Their efforts faltered as Winslow and Germany each scored off a clutch line drive by Grupenhoff to left-center field to put the win out of reach.
The Loggers will play the Missoula Pioneers at 5:05 tonight in Missoula, before the Big Bucks Tournament takes off this Thursday at home.
The tourney will continue from June 20 to 23 at Lee Gehring Field, where teams from Montana, Idaho, Washington and Alberta will compete in a 10-team pool play. First, second and third place teams will be awarded $500, $300 and $100.