A Weekend of Close Contests
Saturday and Sunday brought a flurry of American Legion baseball games across the inland Northwest, each delivering drama and surprise. From high‑scoring shootouts to shutout performances, the weekend showcased the depth of talent in the region’s amateur leagues.
The headline matchup featured the Palouse Patriots A facing the West Kootenay Aces in a seesaw battle that swung back and forth until the final inning. The Patriots surged ahead with a 12‑run explosion in the fourth, ultimately sealing a 17‑15 victory. Key contributors included Silas Nollmeyer, who delivered three hits and three RBIs, Cooper Wells, who added two doubles, and Toby Stewart, who also cracked a double. Supporting performances came from Brody Pfaff, Carson Thomas, and Keegan Caessens, each chipping in multiple hits and runs.
Patriots Rally in the Fourth
The fourth‑inning outburst proved decisive, as the Patriots turned a modest lead into a commanding advantage. The burst of offense was fueled by a combination of timely hitting and aggressive base running, with Nollmeyer’s clutch RBI single and Wells’ double helping to stretch the lead. The momentum carried through the remainder of the game, allowing the Patriots to hold off a late rally by the Aces.
Other regional teams also posted notable wins. The Lewis‑Clark Cubs edged the Orofino Merchants A 9‑8, with Slater Kuther and Ridge Wimer each going 3‑for‑4 at the plate, while Joha Hultman earned the pitching win. Meanwhile, the Kelly Brady Bagpipers downed the Palouse Patriots AAA 7‑2, highlighted by two‑hit performances from Will Denney and Max Hain.
Mountaineers and Stewarts Secure Victories
The Northern Lakes Mountaineers defeated the Moscow Blue Devils 5‑2, with Sam Rigney delivering a double and scoring a run, while Jackson Banks and Connor Perry contributed multi‑hit outings. In another tight contest, the Doc Stewarts AAA squad edged the Lewis‑Clark Twins 4‑3, highlighted by solid pitching from Sam Hall, who allowed just two runs over 4 2/3 innings with two strikeouts.
The Nampa Warriors completed the weekend with a dominant 10‑0 shutout of the Orofino Merchants B. While the offensive fireworks were fewer, the Warriors’ pitching staff kept the opposition scoreless, and key hits were recorded by Riggins Tondevold, Tovin Lundgren, and Hemi Ketola.