Wildcats blank Plains in baseball season opener

This was not the way the Plains Horsemen wanted their 2025 varsity baseball season to begin.

Last year, the team did not have enough players to compete, but this year they had enough, most of whom are talented athletes who turned out with some additions from co-op partner Hot Springs. 

But Columbia Falls, a Class A level team with state championship dreams got out to a big, early lead in what became a 19-0 win over the Horsemen in Plains this past Saturday. 

The Wildcats led 9-0 after the top of the first, due in large part to wild pitches, walks and a few timely hits. 

In the bottom of the first inning, Columbia Falls pitcher struck out the first two batters he faced.  He walked the third, but the Horsemen runner was picked off first base. 

The carnage continued in the top of the second as the Wildcats plated six more runs, giving them a commanding 15-0 lead going into the bottom of the second. 

Plains was once again held scoreless in the second, while Columbia Falls added four runs onto their advantage in the top of inning number three. 

The Horsemen went down in order in the bottom of the third, ending the game via the Mercy rule after three innings of play. 

Columbia Falls scored its 19 runs on 17 hits while playing error-free baseball.  Plains was held hitless in their three innings of play and committed a pair of errors. 

Next up for Plains is a road trip this Saturday to Eureka to take on the Lions.  The Horsemen return home Tuesday (April 8) for a game versus Sanders County rival Noxon-Thompson Falls.