Recently in Idaho Category

Montana wins 10-6 in two-hour slugfest. Alaska vs. Washington is up next.

Montana center fielder Logan Laird has not only hit a double and a three-run home run, but he banged into the fence in center to make a nice catch and rob Zach Haggett of extra bases.

There was a weird  play to end Idaho's five-run second inning as Casey Broderick hit a hard one-hopper that glanced off the glove of Montana pitcher Christian Martinson and went high in the air.

Montana second baseman Derek Reiter grabbed the high carom and stepped on second base for a force. Score it 1-4.

Montana surged ahead 8-6 by scoring five runs in the second inning, the big blow being a three-run home run by Logan Laird. Winston Cox followed Laird's home run with another homer.

It is still 8-6 in the top of the fifth.

This one may not wind up 25-14, but Idaho leads Montana 6-3 with two out and two on in the second inning. Jake Foley has driven in five of Idaho's runs with a solo homer and a grand slam.

Wyoming got home runs from Robbie Harding and Brian Lopez Jr. to defeat Idaho 5-4 in the first game of the Northwest Regional at Al Hougton Stadium.

The victory snapped Wyoming's eight-game losing streak at the regional.

Lopez, who was Laramie, Wyo. starting pitcher, reached base three times, had two runs scored for Wyoming. His solo home run came in the fourth to break open a 1-1 tie.

Idaho rallied in the fifth with three runs, including a two-run single by Landon Peterson. Garrett Peterson later doubled to score Landon. Idaho looked like it was going to get a fourth run but the umpires ruled a basehit as a foul ball.

That cleared the way for Wyoming to erupt for three runs in the sixth. With Lopez on after a walk, Harding homered to tie the game. Dylan Lopez singled and later scored on a wild pitch to give Wyoming the lead.

Wyoming returns to action on Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. against Oregon. Idaho plays Montana at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

One of the things that always amazes us is how the Western Regional just sort of creeps up on people. I think part of that is the sudden realization that you're playing in something that a lot of people pay attention to, including national television audiences. ESPN televises all 31 games at the Little League World Series.

Of course, there's also the challenge of making the trip to California and spending at least 10 days here. If you win, there's another two weeks in Williamsport, Pa. for the Little League World Series. Needless to say, this is an expensive venture that probably is not budgeted for by most families.

So, here begin the fundraisers. Here's an interesting note from the North Boise Little League:

"On Sunday, after North Boise won the 11/12 State Championship, a North Boise parent gave a donation to the team. A 10 year old boy named Quin Steubner saw this happening and asked what he was doing. He then proceeded to dig into his pockets and gave our team $13."

Boise fans were being asked to drop off donations around the city.

Down in Arizona, the team from Glendale was having a fundraiser at a pizza restaurant. Travis A. Johnson, who should probably become an adjunct member of this operation, gives this report:

Please bring the family and or friends out to Oggi's Pizza Today (Tuesday 07/29) from 5-8pm to help support the Arrowhead Little League Team, your AZ State Champs and wish them a successful and safe good-bye as they head to the West Regional Tournament in CA. Oggi's PIzza is located behind Paradise Bakery at 67th Ave/ 101. ALL ARE WELCOME!!! News channel 3 will be covering the benefit dinner on the ground and in the air!  Please come and show your support!! If you can't make it and wish to make a donation you can go into any Bank of America and deposit into the Arrowhead Little League Account # 45711807816.

No doubt, it takes a village to raise money for a Little League team.

Unpage.org is reporting that North Boise Little League won its third consecutive Idaho Little League title on Sunday when it defeated Post Falls. The score has not been confirmed. The best-of-three game series was tied, and the deciding game was scheduled for 10 a.m. on Sunday in Boise.

Utah
Cedar City American is coming for the first time.

Nevada
Henderson Paseo Verde is making its first appearance.

Oregon

Washington
Mill Creek faced a tough task against Bainbridge Island, and still faces a tough road to San Bernardino against one of five teams still alive. Mill Creek's program is one of the state's best but hasn't been in California in 2002.

Arizona
Pool play wraps up Thursday, with the semifinals on Friday and the championship on Saturday. Arrowhead has been tough in Pool A, but look out for Canyon View and Scottsdale McCormick Ranch. Arrowhead is unbeaten.

Northern California
The tournament opened on Wednesday. Pleasanton had an impressive offensive effort with 18 runs in its win over Foothill. East Turlock American needed eight innings for a 1-0 win over Briarwood-El Camino. The winners bracket features Petaluma Valley and Woodcreek.

Southern California
It's starting to feel like an all Orange County final with Aliso Viejo already in the So Cal final, while Tustin needs a victory to advance.

Hawaii
The title game was played on Wednesday between Kaimuki and Waipio, which reached the West last season. Kaimuki was unbeaten but it had not played Waipio in the tournament.

Alaska, Montana, Idaho and Wyoming
It's uncertain as to which teams are in the state tournaments here but it would not be surprising to see the usual suspects: Missoula Southside (Montana), Dimond West (Alaska), North Boise (Idaho) and Laramie (Wyoming) back in San Bernardino.

North Boise will play in the Idaho Little League tournament starting on Friday against either Post Falls or Coeur d'Alene in a best-of-three series in Boise.