Tigers sweep doubleheader from Caldwell

Rain washed out last Tuesday's non-conference home baseball game against Centennial, but the Mountain Home Tigers were able to play their conference series with Caldwell, taking both games from the Cougars.

Mountain Home 8

Caldwell 4

Dave Anderson had two doubles and three RBIs, and Michael DesPres won his third straight game as the Tigers pulled away for the win at home last Thursday. DesPres helped his cause with a two-run double at the plate. He also struck out eight and walked four while scattering six hits.

"I thought that was by far our most complete game that we've played so far," said Tiger assistant baseball coach Brent Keener after the game. "I thought we did a much better job defensively. We only had one error that really cost us. Mike (DesPres) pitched well. I think it was a little tough with the wind coming right at him, and sometimes he didn't have his best stuff, but he battled and did a great job."

Besides Anderson and DesPres, Chris Rau also had an RBI-double. Aaron Swartz, Alex Hoffman, Brett Grodi and T.J. Miller also had hits, and Jake Hiler had an RBI.

Mountain Home 12

Caldwell 5

The Tigers took advantage of wildness by Caldwell's pitchers to score 11 runs in the first inning Friday at Caldwell as they went on to a 12-5 victory.

Caldwell used two pitchers in the first inning, and gave up five hits, four walks and hit four batters before the inning was over.

The big blow was Aaron Swartz' double with the bases full that scored three runs.

Bret Young picked up the win, pitching six innings, striking out seven batters. He also had two hits and scored two runs. Alex Hoffman had three hits including a double, scored three runs and drove in one run. Aaron Swartz had two hits and drove in three runs. Chris Rau, who pitched a scoreless seventh, had two hits and an RBI, as did Kori Andrews. Brett Grodi, Dave Anderson and Kyle Kerfoot also had RBIs.

After the 11 runs in the first inning, the Tigers had numerous chances, but did not score again until they pushed across another run in the seventh. Caldwell scored single runs in the first and second, and added three more in the sixth.

"We started out well, obviously, scoring 11 runs in the first, and then fell asleep after that," said Tiger assistant coach Keener, in radio comments after the game.

"We seemed to lose focus a little, which is somewhat understandable, but at the same time, that's a game that we should have put them away and not played seven."

The sweep of the Cougars improved Mountain Home to 4-8 overall, and 3-5 in conference play. They hosted Capital yesterday (Tuesday), and have their conference series with Vallivue, playing at Vallivue tomorrow (Thursday), and hosting the Falcons on Friday.

All games start at 5 p.m.