Sweet Victory

On April 21, the Lakeland Hawks(3-9) had their first matchup of the year with rivals, Sandpoint Bulldogs(2-7). Entering Thursday’s doubleheader with Sandpoint, Lakeland was struggling to string together wins against 5A opponents and entered the day with a 1-9 record. However, with the bats waking up at the right time, the Hawks took game one, 11-8, and game two, 7-6. 

Despite the Bulldogs swiping ten bags in game one of the doubleheader, the Hawks were very disciplined at the plate and ended with nine walks and three hit batters offensively. Senior leaders, Cameron Harris and Sean Tierney each had two hits in game one, leading the lineup. Harris and his red-headed counterpart, Sam Pemberton combined for six RBIs in the 11-8 Hawks victory. 

Over the two-game span, Tierney threw 5.1 innings and allowed just two runs. Harris relieved Tierney in the second game and threw 3.2 innings allowing just one hit and 0 earned runs. Seniors Payden Wysong and Jacob Schaffner each had two hits in this game while Garrett Love and Tanner Vandever added two RBIs each.

On the way to a 2-0 day and by far the best offensive performance the Hawks have shown to date, the Hawks had six players with multiple hits. This includes a three-hit day from Sean Tierney, Jacob Schaffner, Payden Wysong, and Cameron Harris. 

“It felt really nice to get the bats going and I think it showed what we can do when we just get up there, stay disciplined, and swing it. Our pitching was good enough to get us the wins and let me tell you, beating Sandpoint is a great feeling no matter what”, said Wysong. 

The rivalry between the Bulldogs and Hawks has lasted for decades and every time the two schools meet, there is always tension in the air. The Hawks bested the Bulldogs this time, advancing to 3-9 moving into the last week of April. 

The Hawks will play next on Tuesday in a doubleheader against the Lewiston Bengals(12-4) in Rathdrum, Idaho at Gorton Field.