The Priest River softball team gave up 20 walks in the first game of its doubleheader against Intermountain League foe Kellogg.

The Spartans lost the opener 17-2.

Priest River quickly rebounded in the nightcap, registering 16 hits in its 15-13 win against the Wildcats.

“The top of the order was solid all the way through,” Priest River softball coach Ron Kruse said. “We just warmed up after the first game and started to hit the ball.”

The first three batters in Priest River’s lineup; Lilly Freitas, Brodie Hansen, and Ona Rose all batted 1.00. Hansen added a double and a triple.

Freitas was also a force on the mound, giving up 13 runs on seven hits. She also struck out a season-high 11 batters.

“She pretty much put us on her back,” Kruse said. “She’s such a competitor. When we need a strikeout, she’ll get a strikeout. When we need a base, she’ll steal a base. She’s just amazing.”

It wasn’t just the top of the lineup that was making plays for the Spartans. The eighth batter in Priest River’s lineup, Helena White notched a triple and was consistent in the outfield as well.

“She made some great running catches,” Kruse said. “She’s a sophomore and pitches on JV but this was by far her best varsity game.”

This win improves Priest River’s record to 4-13 overall and 4-5 in Intermountain League play. According to Kruse, the gears are starting to turn for this young Priest River softball team.

“We’re definitely heading in the right direction,” Kruse said. “If the pitchers pitch well, it keeps us in games.”

The Spartans next play at St. Maries on Tuesday.

GAME ONE

KELLOGG 027 35 — 17 3 1

PRIEST RIVER 011 00 — 2 4 5

Macy Jerome and Brielle Hei. Jaylein Zylstra, Lilly Freitas (2) and Ona Rose.

HITS: KEL — Sawyer, Card, Bernier. PR — Freitas 2, Kingery, White. 2B — Bernier. 3B — Sawyer, White.

GAME TWO

KELLOGG 226 003 0 — 13 9 5

PRIEST RIVER 522 231 X — 15 16 5

Macy Jerome and Brielle Hei. Lilly Freitas and Ona Rose.

HITS: KEL — Sawyer, Hei 3, Jerome, McDaniel 2, Karst, Clapper. PR — Freitas 4, Hansen 4, Rose 3, Zylstra 2, Kingery, M. Rose, White, 2B — McDaniel, Hansen, Zylstra. 3B — Hei 2, McDaniel, Hansen.