Baker Middle School's Bailey Sangster on the base paths at Fruitland, Idaho, on March 30, 2024.

The Baker Middle School softball season is in full swing.

The Bulldogs have won five of seven games, sometimes playing as separate seventh and eighth grade teams and combining for others depending on the number of players available.

The team is coached by Barry Spooner and Nathan Rayl, assisted by Brandi Sangster.

Baker played four games at Fruitland, Idaho, on March 30, then played three games against Nyssa on April 7 at the Baker Sports Complex.

March 30, Game 1: Parma 12, Baker 11

Claire Collier pitched three innings, striking out four. Bailey Sangster pitched the final two innings, striking out four.

Paityn Barr was 3 for 4 with a double, two singles and two RBIs. Bailey Sangster was 1 for 3 with a triple and two runs scored. Vanessa Heitz was 1 for 2 with a single and two RBIs.

Makenzie Dennis had two stolen bases.

March 30, Game 2: Fruitland Christian Academy 15, Baker 10

Hannah Sullivan got her first start in the circle, pitching two innings while striking out one batter. Sadie Christensen pitched the third inning.

“Both girls pitched well with lots of balls in play,” Sangster said.

Six Baker errors were costly, however.

Sullivan was 1 for 4 with a single, a stolen base and two runs scored, Bailey Sangster scored two runs, and Collier was 1 for 3 with a triple and three RBIs.

March 30, Game 3: Baker 18, Ontario 5

Collier didn’t allow a hit in two innings and struck three. She was relieved by Dennis, who had her pitching debut.

“Lots of good things to come from (Makenzie),” Sangster said. “She gets better every day in practice and we threw her into a game and she really worked hard.

“Paityn Barr came in to pitch one inning and she worked hard as well, with a great pick off play at third. Sadie Christensen came in to finish the game getting her first batter to line out at third, struck one out, and then a ground ball in play to end the inning.”

Bailey Sangster, playing catcher, didn’t allow a passed ball and threw out one runner trying to steal second.

Baker’s bats came alive against Ontario.

Sullivan was 2 for 5 with an RBI, Collier was 3 for 5 with a double, two singles and two RBIs and four runs scored, Barr was 2 for 5 with a triple, an RBI and four runs scored, Bailey Sangster was 4 for 5 with an RBI, Lexi DelCurto was 2 for 5 with a triple and four RBIs, and Dennis was 3 for 5 with two runs scored.

Frankie Chavez reached base a fielder’s choice and scored a run.

March 30, Game 4: Baker 22, Payette 8“Our best defensive game of the day,” coach Sangster said, as Baker committed just three errors behind pitchers Collier (three innings, three strikeouts, one hit) and Bailey Sangster (two strikeouts in one inning).

Sullivan had a double and an RBI and scored three runs, Collier had a double and scored three times, and Barr had a double and single, two RBIs and three runs scored.

Bailey Sangster hit her first home run of the year, reached based safely on all at-bats, scored three runs and drove in two.

DelCurto had two singles and scored three runs, Christensen was 4 for 4 and scored a run. Shayla Duran reached on a walk and scored a run, and Chavez had a single and scored a run.

April 7, vs. Nyssa at Baker Sports Complex

Against Nyssa, both teams were split into equal A and B games, then combined again in the last game of the day. Baker won in each format.

Game A: Baker 16, Nyssa 6

Claire Collier pitched an absolute gem,” Baker coach Brandi Sangster said. “She pitched all four innings, giving up four hits, striking out eight and allowing only two walks.”

Barr smashed a home run over the right-center fence for her first homer of the year. She was 1 for 2 with three RBIs.

Collier was 2 for 2 with two runs scored and one stolen base, Bailey Sangster drew two walks with one run scored. Euna Knapp was 1 for 1 with a double and two RBIs. Grace Radabah also drew two walks and scored one run. Sullivan stole three bases and Bailey Sangster two.

“Baker had a great eye at the plate, drawing 10 walks in that game,” coach Sangster said.

Game B: Baker 18, Nyssa 6

Christensen pitched a complete game no-hitter, striking two and walking six.

“She did a great job,” Sangster said. “She had great defense behind her as well. Teala Morris had a stellar game at second base, making several key plays.”

Baker drew 19 walks.

Christensen was 2 for 2 with two RBIs and one run scored. Claira Slater was 1 for 1 with three runs scored. Knapp was 1 for 1 for an RBI and two runs scored. Duran and Radabah each drew two walks and scored two runs, and Gabby Solis had two RBIs and scored two runs.

Combined Game: Baker 15, Nyssa 9

Romie Spooner took the mound in inning one for her pitching debut. She allowed three hits and walked four batters.

“She threw the ball well and her defense played well behind her,” Sangster said. “Gabby Solis also made her pitching debut, facing three batters. She is brand new at pitching and is coming along nicely.”

Bailey Sangster came in to finish the game and get the win, pitching two innings, allowing no hits and one run scored. She struck out three batters, and helped herself at the plate going 2 for 3 with three RBIs.

Spooner was 2 for 2 with an RBI and three runs scored. Collier was 1 for 1 with three RBIs and a run scored. Jessica Warbis was 1 for 2 with two runs scored and two stolen bases. Morris drew a walk and had an RBI. Heitz scored a run, and Duran drew a walk and scored twice.