Neilson, Smith homer to lead Mountaineers

RATHDRUM — Despite seeing its seven-run lead whittled down by the end, Northern Lakes Mountaineers Single A still held off Sandpoint for a 9-7 victory in American Legion baseball on Monday at Lakeland High’s Gorton Field.

A home run by Andrew Neilson in the second inning staked Northern Lakes to an early lead. Dustin Smith added an homer in the fourth inning, extending the Mountaineers lead to 7-2. Neilson and Smith each finished with 2 RBIs.

Sandpoint scored four runs in the seventh inning, but Max Baker was able to secure the final outs for Northern Lakes.

Joe Streitzel earned the win for the Mountaineers. He tossed 5 2/3 innings, allowing three runs, four hits, and striking out six. He also had three RBIs.

Northern Lakes is back in action today, facing host Moscow in a doubleheader beginning at 4 p.m.

Sandpoint 000 201 4 — 7 8 2

N. Lakes 122 220 x — 9 7 3

Holland, Riley (3) and connelley; Joe Streitzel, Max Baker (6) and Dylan Bradbury.

HITS: Spt — Lehman 2, Edlund 2, Brackett, N. Holland, Connelley, Riley. NL — Neilson 2, Taylor, Smith, Streitzel, Baker, McDonald. 2B — T. Lehman. HR — Neilson, Smith.