Cheney Predators wrap up 14U season

From the beginning of practice in February's 20-degree weather to their final tournament, the Cheney Predators 14U baseball team has shown solid development for head coach Rob Driscoll.

Cheney wrapped up a 25-game schedule, that started with a pitching machine in a barn, by winning their bracket in last weekend's Battle of the Border Wood Bat tournament in Post Falls and Hayden, Idaho. The Predators went 4-1 in tournament play, opening with a 5-2 win Friday night over Yakima's Dirt Brothers team.

"Hitting with wood bats like the pros is always a challenge and fun, as many readers remember," Driscoll said. "In this technology driving bat world, the teens learned the old-fashioned way, hit the sweet spot on the wood and experience it like old time baseball for youth."

Saturday, Cheney upped their tournament mark to 2-0 with a tight, 7-6 win over the Hayden Astros before losing to a team from Cranbrook, B.C. in the afternoon. Sunday, the Predators notched 4-3 and 7-4 victories in the finals over Deer Park and Hayden.

In the Deer Park game, Driscoll said Issac Nesbitt provided some offensive punch with a 300-foot, three-run home run to left, and followed that with a triple to right his next time up. Nesbitt also pitched, striking out 10 and allowing two earned runs. In the finale against Hayden, Jake Harmon broke two bats, but went 3 for 3 to lead Predator hitting, with Nate Mitzburg going 3 for 4.

Driscoll added comments about all of his players. Logan Hooe was solid at first base, with Lewiston's Kyron Jennings providing critical hits throughout the season. Gerry London pitched five strong innings with "magnet" type fielding in the Wood Bat tournament, with brothers Elijah and Anthony Archilita providing pitching, catching and hitting.

"Ryan Barthels anchored left field all season, catching critical fly balls and ending the season with a spectacular catch," Driscoll said. "Nate Mitzburg owned right field all five months and caught in several games."

Driscoll said Medical Lake's Eugene Haas pitched five "outstanding innings" on Sunday, while Robert Halaas-Driscoll threw seven strong innings over the weekend as well, striking out 10 and allowing one earned run.

The Predators thank their coaches and parents as well as sponsors JC Steel Targets, Cheney Realty, Edward Jones, J&M Fabrication, Heart Construction and Greenburo.com.