Helena uses early offense to down Libby

HELENA — Brayden Spurzem went 2-for-6 and drove in four runs as the Helena Reps defeated the Libby Loggers 18-8 in American Legion baseball Friday.

Spurzem, who hit a walk-off sacrifice fly in the seventh to trigger the run rule, also crossed the plate three times for the Reps (16-19). 

The Loggers (13-26) got the jump in the first inning, taking a 2-0 lead on a fielder’s choice as Bransen Holzer and Brody Gilmore scored. 

The Reps answered back with a pair of big innings as Matthew Feller tied the game at two with a single to center field. Later in the inning, Spurzem singled to grow the lead to 5-2.  

Holzer and Boe Miles combined for three RBIs in the third inning as Libby closed the deficit to 7-5. 

Helena again extended the lead in the bottom of the inning, highlighted by a triple from Brady Perlinski that made it 12-5. 

Holzer hit an RBI triple in the sixth as Libby cut into the deficit at 13-8, but could get no closer. 

Kale Riddle threw three innings for the Loggers, allowing one run on three hits. 

Evan Duvall went 5 2-3 innings for the Reps; he scattered 13 hits and fanned three batters.