Competition Across the Border - by Naya Runkle

Another great matchup, the Richland Bombers went face to face with the Lake City Timberwolves in their fourth game of the season, aiming to build upon their early-season performances. We knew to expect heated competition from the start, as both teams demonstrated strong offensive capabilities with Lake City starting off the first inning with three runs, and Richland responding with four, taking a 4-3 lead. 

Photo: @metcalfmedia_

This young but determined team demonstrated their potential while facing off against the Timberwolves, ranked 2nd in Idaho. The 2025 Bomber squad is a notably young team compared to previous years, and head coach Grant Richardson takes this as a great opportunity and is excited to see the growth they make over the course of the year. “Having a younger team has its advantages. It’s a moldable group that is eager to take its place in Bomber Baseball history. While we don’t have many seniors, the ones we do have are great leaders and have developed a good rapport with the younger guys.” This leadership was clearly displayed in Friday's matchup, as the bombers showed resilience and determination throughout the game. The two teams remained neck and neck throughout the 2nd-5th innings, with both teams showcasing aggressive base running. Sophomore Dylan Parrott's speed helped put Richland on the board with a stolen base and a key hit. Richardson describes Parrott as “simply put, a ‘ballplayer.” Dylan missed most of last season after breaking a bone in the jamboree. “But he’s been a great presence in the lineup and is one of the fastest guys I’ve ever coached. He’s at second base right now,” says Grant. Many bomber fans are wondering who to look out for in this new season, to which Richardson replies, “Fellow sophomore Jackson Woodard is falling right into place after a state basketball run as well. He had one day of practice before our jamboree, but he’s looking more comfortable each day at 3rd base and at the plate. Another name you saw a little last year is Junior Braylon Edwards. He pitched in relief some last year and had some success. Look for him to start a lot of games on the mound, as well as competing for an outfield spot.” This young team offers abundant potential for future success, and Bomber fans are eager to watch how the team performs and improves throughout the season. 

Photo: @metcalfmedia_

In the top if the 6th, number three Travis Usdrowski scored a home run, putting Lake City in the lead. The team heavily relied on Travis this game, who went 1-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. Timberwolf Mark Holecek also paid a notable contribution to the team, scoring three runs while going 1-for-4. With the game on the line, the Bombers battled through the bottom of the 6th with good hitting and smart baserunning, resulting in two runs. The team's resilience was evident, “being able to stay strong when things don’t go our way is really important,” states junior Michael Revell.

With a score of 8-9 in the last inning, sophomore Drayson Elfering runs to 2nd, and the ball gets thrown back to first, starting a game of pickle, ultimately leading to Elfering getting an out. The Lake City Timberwolves took this game by a score of 9-8, both teams showcasing their strength and persistence. Despite the ups and downs of the early season, the team remains optimistic and focused on future performance. “I think a lot of people expected us to pick up right where we left off. The fact is that this is a new and young group of kids. We have some experience from last year, but we have a lot of work to do in order to make the pieces fit by the end of the season. The goal is to play our best baseball in May, and most years that comes with a lot of ups and downs on the way there. I believe the ceiling is high for this group, and they seem willing to work hard to get there,” adds Grant. This team dynamic will be crucial moving forward, as Revell says, “playing with people who support you elevates everyone’s skill level.” With strong teamwork, talent, and commitment to growth, the Bombers are ready to embrace the ups and downs of this season head-on. 

Photo: @aardal.aperture