Sandpoint Baseball Claims 5A Super Regional Title Behind Inge Grand Slam, 14-Game Win Streak
SANDPOINT, Idaho — The Sandpoint High School baseball program continued one of its most impressive runs in recent memory Saturday afternoon, rolling to a 12-2 run-rule victory over Idaho Falls at War Memorial Field to capture the 5A Super Regional North Qualifier Championship. The Bulldogs have now won 14 consecutive games and carry a 22-2 overall record into the Idaho 5A State Championship tournament.
Senior Coleman Inge provided the signature moment of the afternoon, launching a grand slam to deep right field during an eight-run first inning that effectively ended any suspense before the second frame. The blast, Inge’s second career home run, capped a stunning opening to the contest that saw Sandpoint score eight times before Idaho Falls could record three outs.
Sandpoint’s First Frame Sets the Tone
The Bulldogs wasted no time building their lead. Senior Mason Little delivered an RBI single, and junior Jack Schriber followed with a two-run double. A miscue by the Idaho Falls defense allowed another run to score, staking Sandpoint to a 4-0 advantage before Inge’s grand slam pushed the count to 8-0. The Tigers, seeded No. 11 in the bracket, never recovered from the early deficit.
Senior Soren Caprio added an RBI single in the second inning, and Sandpoint extended further in the third on an error and a run-scoring groundout. Schriber delivered the walk-off blow in the fifth, lofting a sacrifice fly to center field that scored Little — who had drawn a walk — to trigger the run rule and end the game.
On the mound, senior Dallen Williams was dominant across four innings. Williams struck out seven batters, reached the milestone of his 100th career strikeout during the outing, and went 3-for-4 at the plate with three singles. He threw 51 of his 82 pitches for strikes. A reliever identified as Shaw worked a clean final inning, adding two strikeouts of his own.
Inge finished with four RBIs to lead all hitters. Schriber drove in three. Williams, Little, Caprio, and a player identified as Medeiros each contributed an RBI as well. Idaho Falls (14-13-1), which had earlier upset No. 7 Hillcrest to reach the championship game, closed out its season with multiple quality performances from Treygan Riedle and Hudson Palmer, both of whom recorded two hits including a double apiece.
Bulldogs Head to State for First Time Since 2022
Sandpoint’s title run marks the program’s first state tournament appearance since 2022 and sets up a compelling bracket at Melaleuca Field in Idaho Falls beginning Thursday. Seeded No. 2, the Bulldogs will open against No. 3 Twin Falls in a double-elimination format that also includes No. 1 Bonneville and No. 4 Skyview. The four-team series concludes Saturday.
Sandpoint last captured a state championship in 2006, and the current roster’s 22-2 record and 14-game winning streak have renewed hopes of a title run. Head coach Kent Anderson’s squad has shown the ability to produce runs in bunches while receiving consistent pitching contributions from Williams and the rest of the staff.
Priest River’s Season Ends in 3A Super Regional
The Priest River Spartans saw their season conclude Saturday morning in Salmon, falling to No. 9 Wendell by a score of 17-7 in a 3A Super Regional East Qualifier loser-out game. The Spartans held a 7-4 lead heading into the fourth inning, but Wendell erupted for 13 runs in a single frame to end Priest River’s run.
Junior Colton Kuprienko contributed a two-run, go-ahead triple, and sophomore Jacob Best posted five strikeouts in 2.2 innings on the mound. Juniors Brayden Elder and Dave Findley each recorded two singles in the loss. Priest River closed the year with a commendable 14-7 record.
Wendell advanced to face No. 4 Salmon, which claimed the 3A Super Regional East Qualifier Championship with a 13-3 victory later in the day.
What Comes Next
Sandpoint baseball returns to Melaleuca Field in Idaho Falls on Thursday to open 5A State Championship play against Twin Falls. The Bulldogs will seek a program-first state title in 20 years, carrying momentum from one of the program’s strongest regular seasons in recent history. Fans looking for other North Idaho athletic news this summer can check in on outdoor recreation highlights, including record catches reported out of the Kootenai River and upcoming fee waivers at Idaho state parks on July 4 as part of the America250 celebration. All four state semifinalists compete in double-elimination format through Saturday in Idaho Falls.