Sandpoint High School baseball coach Chase Tigert has been preaching the importance of the mental side of the game to his players.

During the early stages of the season, the Bulldogs stacked up mistakes and errors that would pile up into losses.

However, on Thursday, in Game 1 of the Class 4A District 1 best-of-three series against Moscow, the Bulldogs showed how much their maturity has improved.

Sandpoint defeated the Bears in six innings of work at Memorial Field on Tuesday 12-2.

"They battled," Tigert said. "That's the biggest thing, we had a rocky first two innings but they settled down and started to get going."

Moscow defeated Lakeland 8-3 to advance to the best-of-3 series earlier in the day.

Sandpoint pitcher Jack Ringer loaded the bases following an error and two walks during the top of the sixth inning.

The junior remained calm on the mound, striking out the final two batters.

“We’re seeing all of the hard work kind of come to fruition,” Tigert said. “During the first couple games of the season they might have gone out there and rolled over. But (Jack) Ringer didn’t care. He went out and took care of business.”

Late season success can also be defined by players stepping up at the right time.

Sophomore designated hitter Finn Mellander certainly fits that criteria.

The Bulldogs DH went 3-for-3 at the plate with a double and two RBI.

“I am so impressed with (Finn) Mellander,” Tigert said. “He’s worked his way into our lineup. When you get an opportunity, you have to make the most of it and he continues to do that.”

Mellander also notched a couple of stolen bases during the game. For what he lacks in speed, he makes up for it in smarts, according to Tigert.

“He has a great eye,” he said. “It makes up for not necessarily being Usain Bolt. He reads balls and dirt really well. His ability to do that makes up for his lack of speed.”

In Sandpoint's last three games, Mellander is 6-for-7 at the plate with two RBI.

Colin Roos got the start for the Bulldogs on the mound. He struggled a bit early in the game but managed to only allow two runs on four hits, striking out nine.

“He had a bit of a rocky start there in the first couple of innings,” Tigert said. “But he went out there, finished it out and had a really good five innings.”

Ringer closed the game out. He struck out three batters and allowed no runs on no hits.

Drew Lehman notched an RBI single for the game's final margin that scored Koby Barlow.

Next up for the Bulldogs will be Game 2 of the best-of-3 series at 3 p.m. on Thursday at Memorial Field.

MOSCOW 200 000 — 2 4 1

SANDPOINT 014 304 — 12 12 2

Game was ended in the sixth inning due to the 10-run rule.

Cody Isakson, Jamison Green (2), Butch Kiblen (3), and Tyson Izzo. Colin Roos, Jack Ringer (6), and Auggie Lehman.

HITS: MOS — Kibbin 2, Con. Isakson, Anderson. SPT — D. Lehman 2, A. Lehman 2, Butler 2, Mellander 3, Barlow, Dillon 2.