Summer Hawks fall short in playoffs against Mt. Spokane

By JOHN McCALLUM

Editor

Cheney’s Spokane American Legion A North Division team fell just short of extending their playoff run, losing their first round series to division champion Mt. Spokane via a 4-3 loss in the third and final game on July 24.

The SummerHawks took the Wildcats to the wire in the final game, tying the score at 3 in the top of the seventh, and had the bases loaded with no outs, but couldn’t find a way to push across the go ahead run. In the bottom of the frame, the Wildcats’ No. 3 hitter connected on a 3-2 pitch with two outs, sending a line drive down the first baseline to score a runner from second, and advance Mt. Spokane to the semifinal round.

After losing to the Wildcats 5-3 in the series opener on July 22, the Hawks forced a third and deciding game with a 5-3 win at home the next day, July 23, with pitcher Spencer Rassier getting the win on the mound. Justin Pope led Cheney offensively in the series, going 5 for 7 overall with 2RBI, with Chris Hammer scoring four runs.

Hawks manager Al Ware said his team played hard all season, giving them credit for hanging in games against tough opponents, despite fielding just nine players at times.

John McCallum can be reached at jmac@cheneyfreepress.com