A tale of two games.
The Lakeland Hawks (7-9, 2-2) hosted a doubleheader against the Sandpoint Bulldogs (6-7, 1-1) on April 19th. Each league game is crucial this season, especially because none of the 4A Inland Empire League teams are significant league favorites. Once again, the Hawks lost game one of a league doubleheader, but bounced back to keep the dream of regular season champs alive.
Sandpoint took the first game 4-1 and the Hawks dominated the second game 14-1.
The Hawks’ errors in the field allowed the Bulldogs to take an early lead, which they did not let go of until they had officially won their first league game of the year.
Kevin Slover, Tadhg Ellwood, and Raiston Ellwood each collected one hit for the Hawks in the first game.
The second game was dictated by the all-around dominance of last year’s IEL freshman of the year, Jace Taylor.
Taylor drove in four runs on two hits, including a three-run double in the gap.
“We started strong in the second game in fielding and continued our hitting,” Taylor said. “We need to keep that kind of consistency at the start of every game.”
In the bottom of the third inning, Garrett Farrell and Lund each had RBI singles, and Caleb Mason had an RBI triple.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, they scored five runs. Slover drove in two runs with a single.
Taylor earned the win for the Hawks. He allowed two hits and one run in over five innings, striking out seven and walking one. He immediately got into a rhythm and allowed minimal time in between pitches for the batter to reset. His quick pitch approach prevented the Bulldogs from getting into any grove offensively.
“I dominated up on the mound. They don’t know what pitch I am going to throw next; I don’t even know what I am going to throw next,” Taylor said. “I just get up there and have confidence. I have had this game marked on my calendar since the day we got our schedule, so for us to come out here and play how we did it’s awesome. When districts come I am just going to do the same thing.”
The Lakeland Hawks had 11 walks at the plate.
“Leading the team with walks feels good because I am not the best runner so it means we can put a better runner out there,” Slover said. “In the first game, I think we went in with our heads held too high. Going into the second game we got it together and played how we know how to.”
The next game is at Lakeland High School on April 23 against Lewiston.
