With the Moscow Blue Devils needing to win just one game of a twinbill to wrap up their league crown, they did just that, downing the Lewis-Clark Cubs 2-1 on Tuesday during an American Legion regular-season doubleheader at Harris Field.
In the second game, the Cubs forged a split with a 5-2 triumph, but Moscow already had what it wanted: a first-day bye at districts this week.
The Twins will open their district tournament against Bonners Ferry on Thursday at 1 p.m. in Moscow, while the Blue Devils, the top team in the league, will await the winner of either Orofino or Northern Lakes in another game Thursday at 4 p.m. The winner of that matchup will face Moscow on Friday at 1 p.m.
"It's been an odd year. What a great group of kids we have," said Moscow coach Griffin Rod, whose team moved to 24-9 with the split. "We don't play the best defense but we have often found ways to win ball game."
Moscow's Charlie Lidean and Peyton Broenneke limited the Cubs to five hits while tallying a slew of strikeouts in the opener but entering the final inning, both teams found themselves tied at one run apiece.
That's when the Blue Devils scored the go-ahead run in the top of the frame on a bases-loaded walk, bringing in Chad Robertson from third.
Despite not having an opportunity to move any higher than No. 2 in the league during their second contest, the Cubs came alive offensively and Colton Stottlemeyer continued L-C's mound campaign in the nightcap with an efficient performance that showcased his accuracy, with his pitch count hovering around 70 in the final frame.
"He threw really, really well," said Cubs assistant Casey Edelbrock.
FIRST GAME
Moscow 100 000 1-2 6 5
L-C 000 010 0-1 5 2
Charlie Lidean, Peyton Broenneke (5) and Cade Knott. Julian Washburn, Levi Speer (6) and Jackson Fuller.
Moscow hits - Cade Knott, Devin Carscallen 3, Taylor Malm, Bryce Mattoon.
Lewiston hits - Chris Powell, Wyatt Baldwin, Jackson Fuller, Ryder Shoultz, Alex Light.
SECOND GAME
Moscow 100 100 0-2 5 5
Lewiston 030 110 x-5 4 1
Mat Shears, Chad Robertson (4), Jack Dunn (6) and Duke Richardson. Colton Stottlemayer and Jackson Fuller.
Moscow hits - Chad Robertson 2 (2B, 3B), Devin Carscallen 2 (2B), Theo Howard.
Lewiston hits - Riley Way, Jonah Carpenter, Garrett Borth 2 (3B).
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
UI signee has leg amputated
Idaho football signee Jace Malek, who's battled cancer since inking his letter of intent with the Vandals, had has right leg amputated, KREM reported Tuesday.
The purpose of the surgery, which happened eight days ago, was to remove a cantaloupe-sized tumor that's bothered Malek since he was diagnosed with cancer in late January.
Malek, a graduate of Spokane's West Valley High, still signed his letter of intent with Idaho after informing coach Paul Petrino and his staff of his condition.
Despite the amputation, Malek will retain his scholarship and a position on the team, Petrino recently told KREM.
"We just told him, no matter what, Jace you're still part of this family," Petrino said. "I don't know if there's ever the right words, or the exact thing to say. So we just let him know that we're still here. And we all still care about him and he can still be a part of it."
Petrino told the station that Malek will likely take on a graduate assistant role with the team.
Malek wrestled and played football at West Valley, where Petrino recruited him as a fullback. As a varsity wrestler, he went to State as a freshman, sophomore and junior and compiled a record of 101-8 with 84 pins.
