PREP BASEBALL: Timberlake fights back, but falls late in 4A opener

POST FALLS — Sometimes, you’ve got to go all in to get the result you want. 

Timberlake did just that, but just fell a little short. 

Timberlake (14-4), which trailed 6-3 entering the seventh inning, loaded the bases with nobody out, then scored the tying run after Ryker Brennan was hit by a pitch with two outs. 

Cole Valley Christian (22-5), ranked second in the tournament, scored the winning run on a throwing error for a 7-6 victory at Post Falls High as Timberlake attempted to get the lead runner at third, but had the throw get past the defender. 

“We fought like crazy,” Timberlake coach Bryce Johnson said. “We came into the top of the seventh with a three-run deficit and could have packed it up and went home. We knew after they got their first two runners on, we had to put our chips in the middle and the throw just got away from us.” 

Game 2 of the best-of-3 series is today at 11 a.m., to be played at Timberlake High’s John Shaffer Field. The opener was moved from Spirit Lake due to a conflict with Timberlake also hosting the District 1 track and field meet, but that event ended on Friday.

“I think it will help,” Johnson said. “We’ve still got to do some things better, but at least at home, you know all that stuff. What the hops are, where the sun will be. I’m glad we’ve got that home field advantage. We’re either going to end the season at home, or keep it going.” 

If Timberlake wins Game 2, an if-necessary game will begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first game. 

Ethan Pecor and Eric Wylie walked to start the seventh inning, then Nate Beardsall singled to load the bases for Timberlake. Zach Blansfield and James Moore drew bases-loaded walks to make the score 6-5. Cole Valley Christian’s Lucas Guray came on and struck out the next two Timberlake hitters, then hit Brennan to force in the tying run. Guray then got a lineout to end the top of the seventh. 

Cole Valley Christian sophomore Carson Kile struck out 10 in six innings. 

“He’s got really good velocity and had some pitches that he could locate for strikes,” Johnson said. “It makes it tough when you haven’t seen a guy pitch to adjust on the fly. We struggled putting the ball in play and he did a really good job.” 

Sophomore Jake Church had two RBIs for Cole Valley Christian. 

COLE VALLEY CHRISTIAN 7, TIMBERLAKE 6 

Timberlake    002    001    3    —    6    6    2 

C.V. Christian    020    121    1    —    7    11    2 

None out when winning run scored. 

Eric Wylie and Ethan Pecor; Carson Kile, Blake Wilson (7), Lucas Guray (7) and Noah Distefano. 

HITS: TL — Brennan, Pecor, Wylie, Beardsall 2, Hurlbert. CVC — Bobrowski 2, Wilson 2, Irish, Kile 4, Hamby, Church. 2B — Church, Kile, Wilson. 

    JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY Timberlake sophomore Gage Haines puts down a bunt during Game 1 of the state 4A play-in North qualifier against Cole Valley Christian of Nampa on Friday at Post Falls High.