Twins host 7 teams for Sapa-Johnsrud tourney

The 27th annual Sapa-Johnsrud Memorial baseball tournament begins today with the Glacier Twins hosting the Kalispell Lakers in the featured game.

The nine-inning contest, which begins at 8 p.m. at Memorial Field, is also a Western AA American Legion contest for both teams.

Glacier enters the rivalry game with Kalispell 22-21 overall, 3-8 in league.

All other tournament games will have a 7-inning or two-hour time limit.

Two more tournament games are also set for 2 and 5 p.m. today.

Seven teams are entered in the five-day event, which concludes Sunday.

Last year's champion, Apple Valley, returns, along with tournament runner-up the Chino Reds.

Eight teams were scheduled for this year's event, but Pullman, Wash., pulled out.

"It works out the same as last year," Glacier Twins coach Lindsay Fansler said.

"Most everybody gets to play each other in round- robin play (4 games)."

Seeding matchups will then determine who plays for the championship on Saturday at 8 p.m.

Two consolation games are set for Sunday.

There will be no all-star game this year.

"We had to change it around (schedule) to accommodate some teams' schedules," Fansler said.

Glacier placed third last year at this tournament.

"We're looking for some big offensive production from Kyler Blades (.418) and Cody Elek (.368)," Fansler said.

"We have four-five guys right up around .400 with a team-batting average of .350."

Sapa-Johnsrud

27th annual Memorial Tournament

Today

2 p.m. - Belgrade Bandits vs. Chino Reds

5 p.m. - Lethbridge Spitz Elks vs. Apple Valley Packers

8 p.m. - Glacier Twins vs. Kalispell Lakers

Thursday

11 a.m. - Belgrade Bandits vs. Apple Valley Packers

2 p.m. - Lethbridge Spitz Elks vs. Spokane Cannons

5 p.m. - Kalispell Lakers vs. Chino Reds

8 p.m. - Glacier Twins vs. Spokane Cannons

Friday

11 a.m. - Belgrade Bandits vs. Lethbridge Spitz Elks

2 p.m. - Spokane Cannons vs. Chino Reds

5 p.m. - Kalispell Lakers vs. Apple Valley Packers

8 p.m. - Glacier Twins vs. Chino Reds

Saturday

11 a.m. - Spokane Cannons vs. Belgrade Bandits

2 p.m. - Kalispell Lakers vs. Lethbridge Spitz Elks

5 p.m. - Glacier Twins vs. Apple Valley Packers

8 p.m. - Championship game

Sunday

11 a.m. - No. 5 vs. No. 6

2 p.m. - No. 3 vs. No. 4