Cascade of Homers in Boise

BOISE, Idaho —  Micah Berger took center stage Saturday night, hitting two home runs for Valley North in a 15-8 victory over the Boise Gems in the American Legion baseball Region 7 tournament.

Berger, who hit a two-run homer in his final at-bat Friday, slammed a three-run homer over the left-field fence at Wigle Field in the first inning on Saturday.

He hit another three-run homer in the second, which put Valley North ahead, 8-0, over the Idaho state champions.

“I’m getting good pitches to hit,” Berger said. “The pitchers are getting ahead of me and I’m just looking for curves.”

Manager Matt LaCour has been pleased with Berger’s performance.

“Micah’s stepping up big time,” LaCour said. “He’s having a big tournament. He’s our captain. Micah’s doing a hell of a job.”

Berger wasn’t the only one who brought his bat to the park. Second baseman Joe Tillmon was a single away from hitting for the cycle and right fielder Bryan Gant was a home run away from the cycle.

“I was trying for a home run on that last at-bat, but I guess I’ll have to settle for a triple,” Gant said with a sheepish grin.

Valley North hit four home runs, accounting for nine runs.

Tillmon led off the second inning with a solo home run and shortstop Matt Fisher hit a two-run homer in the third inning.

Valley North committed three errors which led to two unearned runs. Third baseman Danny Eisenberg made two errors in the second inning, when Boise scored four runs.

“Our defense didn’t help out,” LaCour said. “That’s two games in a row we haven’t put it all together. I keep telling our guys there’s going to be a game down the line where we need to put it all together.”

Valley North’s Thomas Morefield went all the way, allowing six earned runs and 13 hits. He struck out seven.

“Morefield came on stronger as the game went on,” said Berger, his catcher.