River Dogs clinch spot in bracket play at regionals

FERNDALE — The 14U Columbia Basin River Dogs have been lighting up the scoreboards through their first three games at the 14U Babe Ruth Pacific Northwest Regional in Ferndale, clinching a spot in Saturday’s bracket play after beginning the tournament 3-0.

“Right now, it’s all phases of the game for us,” River Dog Head Coach Jaret Fulbright said. “We’ve been playing great defense; our hitting has continued from last weekend at state and our pitching has been unbelievable.”

Columbia Basin has poured on the runs in their first three games, defeating the Banks Braves 12-2, Vancouver Ravens 29-1 and Calgary Longhorns 10-0.

“They’re out to get this one,” Fulbright said. “They told me earlier this year they had unfinished business, they want to come back up here and win this tournament. They’ve been preparing all of last week into this week. Having been here before and knowing what to expect has definitely helped us out.”

The top two teams from each division both qualify for Saturday’s bracket play in Ferndale. Whatcom Prep 1 currently leads the American division with a 3-0 record and there is a three-way tie for second place as of Thursday afternoon. Pool play games continue through Friday.

“There’s some good teams up here in the bracket that we’re going to have to play, and we’re just going to have to continue to hit the ball,” Fulbright said. “If we can continue to hit and play the way we’re playing right now, I think it will be very difficult to beat us.”

The support for the team has been felt even though they’re playing on the other side of the state, Fulbright said.

“I’ve gotten some text messages from our other River Dog coaches throughout our organization, and all they’re telling me is there’s a bunch of support rooting for us back home,” Fulbright said. “It’s nice to know we’ve got that support back there.”

With no losses in pool play ahead of Thursday afternoon’s matchup against Whatcom Prep 2, the River Dog players have their eyes on qualifying for a trip to the 14U Babe Ruth World Series across the country in Virginia.

“The message from the boys to me after that win (Wednesday) night was three more wins and we’re going to the World Series,” Fulbright said. “They don’t have their eyes set on losing a game right now.”

Saturday’s semifinal bracket games begin at 10 a.m. with the other semifinal game being played at 1 p.m. The championship game is at 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Ian Bivona may be reached via email at ibivona@columbiabasinherald.com.