Legion Class AA State: Lakers open with Bozeman

The Kalispell Lakers  open the Montana American Legion Class AA baseball tournament today in Billings, playing the Bozeman Bucks in the first round of the double-elimination tournament.

The Lakers (29-27 overall, 12-12 conference) split a home doubleheader in the only meeting with the Bucks (32-30, 12-10) this season, winning 11-4 and losing 6-4 a week ago at Griffin Field.

The Lakers are seemingly built for a run at the tournament, with a quartet of strong pitchers and sound defense. The key will be how well they can hit in the high-pressure games.

“It’s gonna be critical for us to hit the ball well all weekend,” Lakers coach Ryan Malmin said. “We know that our pitchers, when they make quality pitches, are very effective and our defense has picked up. 

“It’s important that we put the barrel on the ball and make good contact.”

Kalispell, which rolls into state on a three-game winning streak, is on the same side of the bracket as the top-seeded Billings Scarlets (38-17, 16-6) and would play the winner of the Scarlets game against the Great Falls Chargers with a win today.

On the other side of the bracket, the Helena Senators (25-32, 10-12) play the Missoula Mavericks (46-20, 17-7); and the Medicine Hat Monarchs (25-32, 10-12) play the co-host Billings Royals (24-19, 13-9).

The Lakers have been on a tear to end the season, and due to a slew of rainouts, have been busy in the last two weeks. Malmin said he hopes to keep that swing going this weekend.

“We have gotten into a groove on the mound and defensively,” Malmin said. “Hopefully we can take some of that momentum and put it to use at state.” 

The state tournament runs through Sunday.

Montana American Legion Class AA Baseball Tournament

Wednesday

Dehler Park, Billings

First round

9:30 a.m. — Medicine Hat vs. Billings Royals

12:30 p.m. — Kalispell vs. Bozeman

4 p.m. — Helena vs. Missoula

7 p.m. — Great Falls vs. Billings Scarlets