Bucs Cruise Past Warriors into State Title Game
The Lewis-Clark Bucs secured a decisive 10-0 victory over the Nampa Warriors on Tuesday, earning a berth in the Idaho Class B American Legion state baseball tournament championship round. The win, played at War Memorial Field, was highlighted by a dominant pitching performance and a flurry of timely hits that left the Warriors scrambling for answers.
Conrad Kress took the mound and delivered a complete-game effort, throwing all six innings while striking out three batters and limiting the opposition to just four hits. His control and composure set the tone for a team that has been building momentum throughout a grueling two-month schedule.
Offensively, Damon Rubio sparked the early rally with a three-RBI triple in the second inning, driving in crucial runs that put the Bucs ahead. Garrett Crosby and Wade Owens followed with 2-for-3 performances, each contributing solid contact and helping the lineup stay hot.
Coach Garrett Beckman praised the squad’s discipline and hitting readiness after the game, noting that the team’s preparation against a challenging slate of opponents had paid dividends. He emphasized the importance of relentless base running and cohesive teamwork in sustaining the offense.
The Bucs’ recent stretch of 45 games in just over two months has forged a close-knit camaraderie, according to Beckman, who said the players have grown accustomed to each other’s strengths and tendencies. The squad’s third-year run to the state final marks a milestone for a program that has quickly become a contender.
Looking ahead, the Bucs are slated to meet their opponent at 1:30 p.m. on the same field, with a win promising the state title and a loss forcing a decisive game on Monday. The anticipation among players, coaches, and fans alike underscores the significance of the upcoming showdown.