Babe Ruth blasts Blue Moon 16-6

By FAITH MOLDAN / Bigfork Eagle

Bigfork's Babe Ruth team finished its first full week of play with a spotless 4-0 record.

The Red Sox, who notched their third win at home, defeated Columbia Falls' CFAC team 5-1, Whitefish's Hill Bros. team 6-4 and Whitefish's Les Schwab team 7-2. Bigfork defeated Columbia Falls' Blue Moon team 16-6 on Monday.

"Our team is off to a great start this season," head coach Tom Schuster said. "I see confidence building among the players on this team."

The Red Sox's biggest win came on the road on Monday. Bigfork scored 12 runs in the first inning. The team's 16 runs came from 15 hits, which Schuster said were scattered all over the place, including a triple and three doubles.

"We finally broke it open on our hitting game," Schuster said. "I have been waiting for this to happen. I knew they were capable of this."

Bigfork won at home on May 1 against Les Schwab. Skyler Doak and Steven Schuster combined for six scoreless innings on the mound. Christian Kerr came in as relief in the seventh and final inning.

"Our pitching continues to improve," Schuster said. "Christian has done a good job at first base and coming in at relief."

Kerr went 2-for-3 at the plate with a triple and single at home.

"It sure was good to play at home. I'd like to thank all the people who came out to see us play," Schuster said. "The boys were eager to show the home crowd what they are capable of."

Doak and Schuster also pitched in the Red Sox's opening game against Columbia Falls' CFAC on April 24. Cody Dopps, who also catches for the team, pitched.

"Cody continues to impress us at catcher and stands out as one of the best I have seen in league," Schuster said. "Cody is going to be a guy you read about for the next few years."

Bigfork secured its first win after finishing regulation in a 1-1 tie. With what Schuster described as incredible defense, Bigfork kept the score close. In the extra inning, the Red Sox scored four runs. All five of the team's runs were scored on five hits.

"Mitchell Harsh had a huge day at the plate," Schuster said. "He tripled and singled in four of our five runs."

A "little breakdown in the fourth inning" against Whitefish's Hill Bros. sparked the Red Sox's defense. Whitefish scored all four of its runs thanks to Bigfork's breakdown.

"Again, great defensive play," Schuster said. "We turned a double play by Jake Mitich and Luke Lafontaine. That's something you don't see too often at this level."

Ben Sandry finished the game with a single and triple.

The Red Sox host Columbia Falls CFAC at 6 p.m. this evening at Bear Creek field on Hwy. 83 and Whitefish Les Schwab at 6 p.m. on May 12.