D5 super-regional roundup: Who’s in, who’s out following play-in weekend

EASTERN IDAHO — The Malad Dragons and Marsh Valley Eagles each dominated their respective super-regional tournaments, earning bids in next week’s state tournament.

The Pocatello Thunder and Highland Rams saw their seasons come to an end, Saturday, following losses.

6A

Highland never could get their offense going, after an extra-innings win Friday afternoon. The Rams scored just three runs Saturday, falling to the Lake City Timberwolves, 11-3. That after falling, 3-2, to Coeur d’Alene on Friday.

Porter Burrows got the start, and had a hard time missing barrels from the first inning. He allowed a double, single, walk and homer to the first four batters he faced. Lake City pushed seven more runs across before Burrows departed with two down in the third.

The Rams finish the year with a 19-11 record, their eight straight season with a winning record.

5A

After beating Mountain Home Friday, Pocatello dropped a win-or-go home game against the same Tiger squad Saturday morning, 6-3.

The Thunder saw five of their six hits in the game come from their top three hitters in the batting order, including a 3-for-3 performance from lead-man Kache Stucki.

Mountain Home went on to lose to Bonneville in the bracket championship game, 8-3.

Pocatello finishes the season with an 11-18 record. They had just four seniors on the roster this season, and look primed to make another run at a state bid next season.

4A

Marsh Valley swept the Payette Pirates, following a 3-0 victory Friday evening with an 8-6 win Saturday afternoon.

The Eagles maximized the minimal opportunities they had, collecting just four hits while working five walks.

Payette put together a five-run fourth-inning rally against Marsh Valley starter Ruger Scott. But reliever Canyon Lish shut the door on any comeback hopes, tossing three scoreless innings and striking out five.

The Eagles will wait to see where they are seeded for the 4A State Championship, which will be played at Melaleuca Field in Idaho Falls.

3A

Malad finished a dominant run through the 3A southeast super-regional bracket, besting the Grangeville BUlldogs, 10-0, Saturday. In three games, the Dragons outscored their opponents by a combined 23 to 5.

Kurt Ward matched the outings posted by Brycen Howe and Brady Showell, Friday, with an equally overpowering performance Saturday. The senior, who celebrated his birthday with a homer Friday, tossed five scoreless frames, allowing two hits and three walks while striking out 11.

Seven of nine Malad starters recorded at least one hit, including a three-hit day from lead-off man Carter Blaisdell.

The 3A State Championship will be played in Nampa.