The Northwest Regional American Legion baseball tournament opened at Washington Trust Field at Gonzaga University with Idaho State champion Boise coasting to an 18-3 win over Alaska champion Anchorage Thursday morning.

"We're fortunate but we thought we'd come out and hit," Boise coach Larry Price said. "(A fast start) gave us a cushion to be able to do things ... not having to leave in the arms for any amount of time."

The Gems (29-12) took the suspense out of this one early, scoring six runs in the bottom of the first inning on just three hits and adding five more in the second. It was 13-1 after three innings with eight of Boise’s starters scoring.

“I like pitching with a lead,” Boise starter Joe Wewers said. “I can make a few mistakes and still have the lead. It’s nice to get the first one out of the way.”

Alaska starter Colton Lauwers, who only gave up 18 runs coming into the tournament, struggled and departed in the second inning after allowing 11.

He hit three of the first four batters, walking the other, to open the scoring. A double play plated a second run and doubles by Jordan Atkinson and Jace Waters drove in runs and No. 9 hitter Cody Price drove in a pair with a single.

The Gems had six hits in the second inning to effectively end the game as the Lynx were short-handed offensively, leaving three players home for undisclosed reason.

The Idaho state champs had plenty of opportunity to score on their 15 hits because eight batters ended up getting hit by pitches to go with four walks.

Ryan Humphrey, Atkins and Ryan Rambur led the hit parade with three hits apiece with Price driving in five runs.

After pounding Alaska pitchers, the Gems took aim at the umpires in the third.  Humphrey tried to score from first on Tony Salas’ double but slipped rounding third and took out home plate umpire Kevin Gawenit who was running up the line. Then, with the bases loaded, Atkins smoked a line drive right at the head of umpire Craig Mills.

The Gems scored in every inning except the sixth.

“When you’re pitching with the lead you’ve got to throw to the strike zone, have a little fun out there,” Wewers said. “Let them hit it, let our defense play. Just have fun.”

Wewers only worked five innings, allowing five fives and two runs. He struck out six and walked two.

“I think he’s trying to keep us all fresh for the next couple of games, give everybody experience on this mound, in this atmosphere,” he said.

Lauwers had three of the nine Anchorage (25-7) hits.

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