The Northern Lakes Mountaineers locked up the North Idaho League championship Friday with a dominant doubleheader sweep of the Moscow Blue Devils in Moscow, securing the No. 1 seed to the Area A district tournament in Lewiston. Ethan Pecor led the way with a clutch hit and a lights-out pitching appearance, capping a memorable evening for the Kootenai County-area squad.
Pecor Shines in Clutch First Game
Northern Lakes edged Moscow 3-2 in the opening game, with the outcome hinging on a tense seventh inning. Nate Beardsall had carried the pitching load through the first six frames, striking out nine batters and allowing just four hits before reaching his pitch limit.
When Beardsall’s night ended, Pecor — who had spent the entire game behind the plate as catcher — stepped onto the mound and delivered. Before that final inning, the offense needed to do its part first. Dane Perkl led off the top of the seventh with a walk and scored on a wild pitch to tie the game. Then, with two outs and runners on base, Pecor lined a single over the second baseman’s head, scoring both Gage Tenney and Gage Haines to put the Mountaineers ahead 3-2.
Pecor then took the mound and retired the side on just four pitches, closing out the victory. Coach Bryce Johnson described the moment as a natural choice once a reliever was needed. “It was one of those moments where you just ride the wave,” Johnson said. “We were talking about who to put out there, and he said he’s got it.”
Mountaineers Cruise in Game Two
Any doubt about which team belonged at the top of the standings was erased in the second game. Northern Lakes rolled to a 13-2 victory over Moscow, with the contest ending in the fifth inning via the 10-run rule.
Jake Larcher was efficient on the mound, scattering three hits across five innings, and backed himself up at the plate, going 2 for 3 with three RBIs. Beardsall continued his strong day offensively, going 2 for 4 with a double and four RBIs. Tenney added a 2 for 2 performance with two RBIs to round out a deep offensive effort.
The two-game sweep pushed Northern Lakes to 17-5 on the season and 6-2 in North Idaho League play — a record that places them firmly atop the league standings heading into postseason play.
Impact on Kootenai County Baseball
The title represents a strong showing for North Idaho Legion baseball and adds another chapter to what has been a competitive summer for local programs. Earning the top seed at the Area A tournament in Lewiston gives Northern Lakes a favorable path through the district bracket as they look to extend their season.
The Mountaineers’ ability to get contributions up and down the lineup — with multiple players delivering in both games — reflects a balanced roster capable of making noise deeper into the postseason. Beardsall’s arm, Pecor’s versatility, and timely hitting from Tenney and Larcher have been hallmarks of this team’s 17-win campaign.
Fans across the North Idaho Panhandle have had plenty to celebrate this week, with the Coeur d’Alene community gathering for a Fourth of July parade honoring veterans and heritage just a day before the Mountaineers clinched their league crown.
What Comes Next
Before heading to the Area A tournament in Lewiston, Northern Lakes will compete in a tournament in Missoula beginning Thursday. That event should provide valuable tune-up competition before the high-stakes district bracket, where the No. 1 seed will be a significant advantage.
The Area A tournament is approximately two weeks away, giving the Mountaineers time to sharpen their game and build on the momentum from Friday’s sweep. Local fans looking for more upcoming community events and activities can also check out the Kootenai County meal menus and community schedules for the week of July 6.
Northern Lakes has earned their spot at the top of North Idaho League baseball, and the postseason run begins soon.