Wood River American Legion wraps up the season

by JON MENTZER

The Wood River Wranglers' American Legion season ended on Saturday, July 21 at Founder's Field in Hailey.

But before Saturday's double-header, Wood River traveled to Pocatello on July 18, only to find that the Pocatello team never arrived so Wood River had to make a detour to Idaho Falls for a quick game.

The detour was in Wood River's favor as it won 12-6. The Wranglers found their bats in this one as they mounted up 11 hits. Tim Boyle had three hits on the day including a double. Nick Brunker also had three hits on the day, but added five RBIs.

The double-header in Hailey on Saturday against Canyon Ridge saw the Wranglers come away with two losses in a row to end the season.

In the first game, which kicked off at 11 a.m. on a hot and sunny day, Wood River's bats took a while to warm up to the sun as the Wrangler's let Canyon Ridge come away with a 15-5 victory. Boyle was the losing pitcher in the first game. Wood River was held to just four hits on the day.

In the second game of the day, Wood River began to feel some life as it battled back and forth to end the season on a high note.

However, Canyon Ridge was still too powerful for Wood River.

The Wranglers held a two-run lead in the seventh inning. But Wood River failed to add to the lead when it had runners in scoring position with only one out. The Wranglers left runs hanging and Canyon Ridge look the lead and eventually won 8-6. The losing pitcher was Cam Benson.

The Wranglers finish the summer with a meager 5-14 record while missing the end-of-the-season tournament. Wood River finished seventh in the league. The tournament takes the top six teams.

"I was proud of them for working so hard and buying into my philosophy," said coach Trent Seamons. "They practiced hard. I'm excited to see them improve for next season."

Seamons also added that the summer was especially tough due to the injury bug plaguing his team.

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