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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Frontier League Baseball Is A Sharing Proposition

Close races and multiple first-place ties seem to be the order of Frontier League baseball.

Two years ago East Valley and West Valley shared the league title. Last year there was a four-way tie for the championship.

Since many players return from all those title teams, there is a possibility the nightmare will be repeated.

It creates difficulty administering who gets to be the league champion for playoff purposes.

“No. 1 is protected, which means something unless the (tiebreaker) formula isn’t applied correctly,” said Kurt Krauth, EV’s baseball coach.

Interpretation of who was No. 1 last year created a controversy among the four teams - EV, WV, Cheney and Colville - who shared the title. The rules have been clarified, said Krauth.

This year two teams will qualify for regionals, making it a little easier. The playoff format has also changed.

“No. 1 goes,” said Eagle coach Ray Riggin. “Two, three and four play a double elimination tournament for the second spot.”

Then the two qualifiers meet in a seeding game.

The fun and games begin on Tuesday.

West Valley after four in a row

Although the playoffs haven’t been kind to the Eagles, they are chasing a fourth straight league title.

Riggin is cautious in his assessment, although he does say, “I think we’ve got enough good pitching to win.”

Jason Phillipe, a left-hander, won eight straight in Legion ball last summer. Jeremy Isherwood is one of the league’s best athletes.

“I think he’s a Division I player and so do a lot of other coaches,” said Riggin.

Behind them is fellow senior Tyler Hall, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound lefty.

“He’s been in the program but is not proven,” said Riggin. “But he has zip and a breaking ball, so I’m a little excited about that.”

Isherwood returns at third base, although he could play shortstop. Right now sophomore Chris Hilsabeck, last year’s centerfielder, is being tried there.

“I’d prefer Chris to be in center,” said Riggin. “He can flat-out move.”

Heavy hitter Brian Lawler is back at catcher.

The rest of the Eagles are new.

Dustin Howe, Eric Enger and Jason Brown are senior outfielders. Kevin Risley, Chris Johnson and sophomore Ian Harty, at second base, are infield hopefuls.

First base will be by committee, including Phillipe, Hall and power hitter Beau Macarty.

“We’ve got some good kids who can really swing (the bat),” said Riggin. “We’re one deep, that’s our problem. We’re kind of back to the drawing board a bit.”

EV could win third straight title

If the Knights come up with pitching, they’ll chase a third consecutive league championship.

“That’s where we’re lacking,” said Krauth.

The onus falls on senior Brian Lamarche who has a live arm but a tendency to overthrow.

“If he does well he can throw a lot of innings and we need him to,” said Krauth. “He’s our ace.”

Other probables are senior Gary Riese, juniors Kris Allen and Charlie Burnett and sophomore Ray Ruiz.

Ruiz started at shortstop last year and was one of EV’s best players. The Knights also have all-league probables in hard-hitting outfielders Bill Tincup and Jeff Shaffer, a junior.

Lamarche will be at third base, along with seniors Vince Fasano or utility player Joe Furgason.

Another senior, Jeff Ford, is at second. Junior T.J. Horgan is at first, junior Ryan Stengle and sophomore Chris Morgan are at second.

Other outfielders are Allen and Colby O’Very. Expected starter Paul Shogren is currently sidelined with a cracked elbow.

“Defensively we should be pretty strong,” said Krauth. “We’ll be OK and will get better.”

, DataTimes