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Don Gronning
NEWPORT — It was a pitcher’s duel Thursday, April 10, when the Priest River Spartans visited Newport for a non-league baseball game that Newport won 2-0.
“It was a heck of a game,” Priest River coach Jeff Best says.
“Newport is a lot better compared to last year.”
Best says Priest River has been leaving runners on base, which has cost the Spartans games.
For Newport, senior pitcher Hank Kirkwood struck out 18 Priest River batters, didn’t walk any and gave up three hits. Kirkwood also got one of Newport’s three hits. Brad Martin got a hit for Newport, as did Brody Driver.
On the Priest River side, freshman pitcher Jacob Best struck out 13 Newport batters, walked two and gave up one earned run. Colton Kuprienko, Broden Collins and Logan Troubley got hits for the Spartans.
The game was scoreless until the bottom of the third inning, when Newport scored a run.
Newport scored again in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Newport next goes to Davenport Saturday, April 26 for a doubleheader that starts at noon.
Priest River is home against Grangeville Friday. April 19, with the game starting at 2 p.m.
