OROFINO — Priest River lost 11-1 to Kellogg in the first round of the 2A District baseball tournament on Tuesday, May 9.

Merrick Issenberger scored the only run for the Spartans on a passed ball in the bottom of the second inning. Issenberger finished the game with a double, one run scored and one walk.

“We had chances early,” head coach Mark Schultz said. We scored in the second inning and had a chance to take the lead in the third when we had two runners on and just didn’t get the big hit we were looking for.”

Logan Troumbley started the game on the mound for the Spartans, throwing for two and two-thirds innings giving up six hits, five earned runs and striking out three batters. Shayd Wong-Yuen threw for one and one-thirds of an inning in relief; he gave up just two hits, one earned run and struck out one Wildcat.

Kellogg was led by Travis Eixenberger, who recorded three hits, two RBIs and a run scored in the contest. Kolby Luna was credited with the win on the mound.

Despite the Spartans' struggles this season, Schultz is confident that next year will be a better year.

“This year we were a mix of returners and new players to the team. We had a lot of injuries and had players learning a lot of new positions. The boys always played hard and did what was asked of them,” Schultz said. “I am very proud of this group; they didn’t give up, and when they were asked to play a new position, they did it to the best of their ability. I’m very proud of how they worked and fought in every game.”

Although Priest River will be losing a key senior, Charles Bennett, to graduation, there is a strong group of returning players for next year’s team.

PRIEST RIVER 1, KELLOGG 11

Priest River 010 00 – 1 2 6

Kellogg 116 12 – 11 8 0

Game called in 5th inning due to 10-run rule.

Troumbly (3) Wong-Yuen and Troudt; K. Luna (4) Clapper (5) GraasKamp and Smith

HITS: PR – Issenberger, Bennett. KLG – Eixenberger 3, GrassKamp 2, Whatcott, K. Luna, Clapper.

2B – Eixenberger, Whatcott.