LRS baseball splits doubleheader with Springdale

The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos baseball team went 1-3 in the past week of competition

The Broncos split an April 17 nonconference doubleheader against Springdale, winning 11-2 in game one and losing 8-7 in game two.

In game one of the Springdale doubleheader, the Broncos tied the game at 1-1 in the fifth inning, then took the lead after scoring two runs in the sixth. LRS broke through with an eight-run rally in the seventh inning.

Head Coach Jason Aldrich explained Springdale had their reserve pitchers on the mound, which caused the Broncos to struggle in adjusting to the different pitching speeds.

Aldrich also thought the Broncos’ defense played well and kept it a close contest for most of the game.

In game two, LRS held a 3-2 lead until Springdale scored three runs in the fourth inning.

After tying the game with two runs in the fifth inning, the Broncos added two more in the fifth to take back the lead.

The Chargers scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth to clinch the win.

Aldrich said it was not the best performance for the Broncos’ offense as they once again struggled to adjust to the slower pitching speed from Springdale’s bullpen.

He noted the team had base runners in scoring position in the sixth and seventh innings, but the Broncos could not hit the ball to bring them to home plate.

Easton Nelson earned his first pitching win in game one after he threw a complete game. Aldrich said Nelson was efficient with his pitching count.

Jay Harder took the loss in game two after he shared the mound with Drew Kelly, Bryce Kelly and Bryce Hansen.

Aldrich explained he had not been playing LRS’ starting pitchers on the mound in the either game in an effort to rest their arms from the previous week’s competition.

One area the Broncos have struggled with during the season, Aldrich said, is they will have an inning where their opponent will score several runs and they cannot come back.

On April 21, LRS went 0-2 against Colfax in a Northeast 2B South league doubleheader, losing 13-3 and 9-1.

In game one against Colfax, LRS scored two runs in the third inning, only for the Bulldogs to answer with four runs in the bottom of the third.

The Broncos added one more run in the fourth inning while Colfax scored nine more in the bottom of the inning, which forced the 10-run mercy rule.

During game two, Colfax opened the game with a 2-0 lead en route to the 9-1 victory. The Broncos prevented the shutout in the sixth inning after Nelson’s RBI double.

Aldrich said he felt the Broncos made progress at the plate, but the defense failed to execute routine plays.

Garrett Frederick took the loss in game one while Nelson took the loss in game two. Aldrich said Frederick pitched well in the beginning of the game, before Colfax adjusted to his speed and hit the ball.

Aldrich noted Colfax is the No. 1 team the NE 2B South League with two top pitchers and a solid batting lineup. He added the Broncos made six errors during the game.

“That happens when you face a good team,” he said. “You make a mistake and they are going to make you pay.”

The Broncos played St. George’s on April 24 for the last home game of the season

After the game, seniors Nelson and Camden Smith will be honored for their contributions to the program. Aldrich said he appreciated their hard work and dedication to the program.

Aldrich said St. George’s is the top team in the NE 2B North conference and will be a challenge for the Broncos. It will also be an opportunity to see where LRS stands in terms of the postseason.

He added the Broncos will face Springdale in the opening game of the Sub-Districts at St. George’s field on May 1.

Aldrich said the team will continue to work on ground balls and routine plays during practice. He will also have athletes focus on hitting pitches at fast speeds in order to prepare them for postseason play.