Twins sneak into state tourney

The Glacier Twins clawed their way in to the American Legion Baseball state tournament, rallying past rival Kalispell 11-10 on Sunday to clinch the berth in loser-out action at the Wester A tournament in Florence.

The win earned Glacier (36-22 overall) a spot in their third-straight district title game, and with it a ticket to state this weekend in Great Falls.

“Getting to state, that was the goal all season long,” Twins coach Bob Rupp said.

Smart small ball and spectacular defense led Glacier in the win, Rupp said.

“Kalispell is playing very well — they’re scrappers and never quit,” Rupp said. “They played us tough all year long. But we did the little things — bunted and ran the bases well.”

Kalispell ran out to a 4-0 lead after one frame. Glacier knotted the score in the third inning, then posted a three-run fifth to take a 7-4 advantage. He commended outfielders James Sampson-Keck, AJ Wetch and Jesse Walburn for keeping Glacier in it with defensive plays.

“They made diving catches and threw guys out at home plate,” Rupp said. “It was fun to watch.”

Tristin Steinwand finished 3 for 5 at the dish with a homer and two RBIs. Sampson-Keck had four hits and scored three times.

“Vinny Smith and Tristin came alive for us with their bats all tournament,” Rupp said.

With the win, Glacier moved on to face the Bitterroot Red Sox in the championship Sunday where they were steamrolled 23-2.

“We didn’t have anything left,” Rupp said of his team after battling Kalispell. “We were out of pitching completely. The good thing is the game didn’t mean much.”

The Red Sox advance to state as the top seed and Glacier will go as a No. 2 seed.