Broncos hold top team to four runs

The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague baseball team competed against the undefeated Colfax Bulldogs on April 9, and proved to be a tough competitor for their opponent.

The Broncos were able to force Colfax into playing through seven innings in both games of the doubleheader.

In the first game Easton Nelson took to the mound. Head Coach Jason Aldrich said he threw a few wild pitches in the first two innings but settled down to pitch effectively for innings three through six.

In those first two innings Colfax was able to bring in three runners but did not score again until the fifth inning. Camden Smith stepped up in the seventh inning to close the game on the mound.

Brandon McClure went 2-for-3 behind the plate along with Garrett Frederick who performed the same. Cole Cameron and Bryce Hansen each had a hit as well.

Holding Colfax to just four runs is no easy task as they are expected to win the League and only one other team has kept the scoring margin so low. While the Broncos did rack up five errors this game was still a step forward for the young team with a 0-4 loss.

In the second game Colfax was able to use their bats more but still played through the full game. McClure started the game on the mound for almost five innings. At that time Frederick took to the mound to finish off the game.

McClure threw seven strike outs and walked three while allowing just four hits. Frederick followed suit, striking out three, walking none and giving up no hits.

Nelson was 2-for-3 in this game with a double and the lone RBI, Frederick also went 2-for-3. Smith and McClure each hit a double followed by Cameron with a single. With six errors, these along with the mental miscues accounted for the 1-9 loss for the team according to Aldrich.

While mistakes are part of the game, Aldrich is having the team focus on reducing them as much as possible. Aldrich can already see improvement in each player while they work through the different line-ups trying to find the best place for each team member.

There are just five doubleheaders left in the season and only one home game.

Next up the Broncos will face Tekoa-Rosalia in Rosalia on Saturday, April 16, beginning at noon followed by their final home game of the season Tuesday, April 19 versus Reardan beginning at 2 p.m. This game will serve as their Senior Night to honor their sole senior, McClure.