Friday, July 23, 2004

Legion takes one of two against Bear Lake

Hansen collects 10 strikeouts in win

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By JAMES CORDES
Express Staff Writer

Clutch hitting and a steady ace on the hill was the key for Wood River in winning the first game of a doubleheader against Bear Lake Wednesday at Founder’s Field.

Giving support to Wood River pitcher Steve Hansen (seven innings, 10 strikeouts), the Wood River bats erupted for a five-run, sixth inning. The home team was also assisted with 13 free passes and hit-by-pitches from the struggling Bear Lake pitching staff.

Wood River (17-15-1 overall, 14-9-1 Area C, 10-4 home) dropped the second game of the doubleheader by a score of 10-5. Spotty defense by Wood River proved to be the equalizer for Bear Lake in game two.

It was game one, however, when pitching, defense, and hitting all seemed to come together for the home team. Hansen (3-3) set the tone early on the hill, with five strikeouts in the first two innings.

"Steve pitched great, he really got it done." Head Coach Eli Lloyd said. "He’s our ace and that’s what we expect of him. He just has a presence on the mound that he’s going to win.

With Bear Lake up 2-1 in the fourth inning, Jimmy Pierson of Wood River tied up the score with a left-center homerun. He added another RBI in the sixth when he was walked with the bases loaded.

Not done in the fourth, Wood River tacked two more runs on, thanks in part to an RBI-single from Billy Kramer.

The top of the fifth saw Bear Lake answering back with a pair of runs. Led by catcher Nate Etchevery’s single and two stolen bases (3 hits), Bear Lake tied it back up at 4-4.

But in the end, the Bear Lake pitching was too inconsistent. With three hit batters and four walks, Wood River posted a five-spot on their opponents in the bottom of the sixth. Morgan Uhrig contributed with his second single of the game and his second and third RBI’s.

The five-run lead is all Hansen needed to seal the deal for Wood River. The final was 9-4, with Wood River staying perfect in the error column.

In game two, Wood River spotted Bear Lake a 3-0 lead in the first inning and never regained the lead. Tyson Reynoso got the loss, with a 5-strikeout performance.

In the nightcap, Brady Femling went 2-4 and Uhrig continued his hot hitting, going 2-3 with a walk.

"Morgan has been our most consistent, solid hitter so far." Lloyd said.

Wood River rounds up their home season today with a doubleheader against Idaho Falls. Game times have been moved to 1:00 and 3:00 at Founder’s Field.

The Area C "A" district tournament begins next week. Seeding and games are still being decided, although Wood River is assured a spot in the tourney.

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