Loggers roll into state play
POLSON - Coach Kelly Morford hopes the three things that have carried his Libby's Loggers to an impressive 40-18 record thus far will be on display, starting today, at the Class A Montana/Alberta State American Legion State Baseball Tournament.
Libby opens the action at 9 a.m. versus the Fort Macleod Royals from Alberta.
"I think we're pretty well balanced with our three big pitchers (Chris Herbig, Justin Wicka and Jared Winslow)," he said.
"We're able to play solid defense and hit consistently throughout the lineup."
That formula has helped the Loggers roll into this event with a 13-game winning streak. They are making their first state tournament appearance since 2008. They finished third that year.
The state winner advances to regional-tournament action in Roseburg, Ore., Aug. 5-9
"It gives us some good momentum," Morford said of the strong regular-season finish.
"The kids are confident. If we play like we have been, we should be OK."
Morford believes this is the first time Libby has posted 40 wins in a season. That's impressive since the team started 0-6 and battled to get above the .500 mark during much of the early going.
"We played AA teams, lost a couple to the Bitterroot Red Sox," he said of the tough start. "We had to get our feet wet a little bit."
Herbig, 7-3 on the season, was scheduled to be the team's starting pitcher for the opener.
"He's been sick the last couple of days," Morford said. "We'll see how it goes."
If Herbig doesn't pitch, Morford will go with either Wicka, 12-1, or Winslow, 10-2.
Offensively, Herbig leads a potent unit with his .403 batting average.
Alex Cislo is the RBI and home run leader with 50 and nine, respectively.
Six other Loggers have smacked homers this season - Wicka (five), Micah Germany (two) and Winslow, Tate Wilson, Herbig and Alex Bluhm (one each).
This will be Libby's first look at Fort Macleod this season.
"They have a tough left-handed pitcher," Morford said. "His name is Jake Hanson. He was drafted in the 30th round by the New York Mets.
"It will be a challenge for us," Morford added.
"I hope we can keep it close and give ourselves a chance at the end."
The only team at state Libby has faced during the regular season is Mission Valley. Those two rivals split their six-game set.
The Laurel Dodgers are two-time defending state champions.
Class A State Tournament
Thursday through Sunday
Double Elimination
Today's Schedule
9 a.m. - Libby Loggers (40-18) vs. Fort Macleod Royals
Noon - Belgrade Bandits (41-23) vs. Billings Cardinals
3 p.m. - Laurel Dodgers (42-13) vs. Dillon Cubs (38-27-1)
6 p.m. - Mission Valley Mariners (39-24) vs. Great Falls Electrics