Softball roundup: D-5 teams battling for district titles

POCATELLO — The Pocatello Thunder erupted for 10 runs in the sixth inning of what had been a pitchers duel, running away with the first game of a best-of-three set against the Century Diamondbacks.

For five innings, Pocatello’s Charlie Naylor and Century’s Ally Evans were engaged in stingy, low-scoring struggle. But that came crashing down in the sixth, when, led by a pair of run-scoring hits from junior Oakley Hirschi, Poky turned a 1-1 game into a mercy-rule victory and 1-0 series lead.

With the win, the Thunder are now one win from clinching a 5A District 5 championship, which, according to Pocatello Athletic Director Robert Parker, comes with one of two spots in a state play-in game — against the 5A D6 runners-up.

Game 2 of the cross-town showdown will be Wednesday, at 4:30 p.m., at OK Ward Park. If Pocatello wins that game, they will take the series. If Century wins, they will host a decisive Game 3, Thursday.

Here is how the other D5 tournaments have played out thus far:

6A

The Highland Rams bested the Rigby Trojans, 8-2, in round one of the 6A District 4-5-6 tournament, then followed that up with an eight-inning, 13-12 victory over Thunder Ridge to secure a spot in the district semis.

The Titans and Madison Bobcats will battle Thursday afternoon for the right to face Highland in the district championship round — which will begin shortly after the Thunder Ridge-Madison elimination game.

4A

Preston and Marsh Valley will battle at 2 p.m.,Thursday, at Preston High School for the 4A D5 championship. An Eagles win would force a decisive game, which would immediately following the first matchup. If Preston wins, they will claim the crown.

Preston has earned tournament victories over play-in winner American Falls, on Saturday, and Marsh Valley, on Monday. The Eagles bested Bear Lake on Tuesday, then followed up their second-round loss to Preston with a 4-2 victory over American Falls, Tuesday afternoon.

3A

The host Malad Dragons have thrashed their way through the first two rounds of the 3A D4-5 tournament, recording a 17-0 victory over Soda Springs on Monday and a 10-0 victory over the Declo Hornets on Tuesday.

They will host a rematch with Declo, Wednesday, after the Hornets topped the Wendell Trojans, 9-5, on Tuesday to earn a title-round berth.