Both finalists prevailed in convincing fashion by the exact same scorelines in Saturday’s semifinal action. The Trappers went off for seven runs in the bottom of the first on their way to a 12-3 victory over the Wolverines, while the Hawks dispatched of the Pocatello Runnin’ Rebels, the reigning Idaho AA state champions.

The Trappers were undaunted despite giving up a pair of runs to the Wolverines in the top of the first. Cache had a chance to score even more runs, but Blacksmith Fork came up with a big defensive play to get out of the inning. An Easton Hammond single drove in Cael Kidman, but a second base runner was gunned out at home plate as Blacksmith Fork right fielder Ethan Nielsen teamed up with shortstop Mason Smith, and Smith’s relay throw to catcher Jace Jorgensen was on time.

The Wolverines strung together five hits in the top of the first, but pitcher Kayden Cullimore settled down and only gave up four hits during the final six frames. Cullimore, who struck out eight, walked none and threw 70 of his 88 pitches for strikes, and the Trappers didn’t allow any base runners from the second through fifth innings.

Meanwhile, Blacksmith Fork caught fire at the plate as it racked up 16 base knocks, highlighted by six in the home half of the first, coupled with a trio of free passes and a sacrifice fly. Brok Buttars came through with a pair of hits for the Trappers in the inning, while Zyan Fougler accounted for a run-scoring double.

Neither rival scored in the second and third frames, but the Trappers manufactured at least one run in each of the next three to stymie any chance of a comeback by the Wolverines. Cache plated its final run in the top of the sixth, courtesy of a RBI double by Brady Cook.

Fougler, Nielsen and Jorgensen each finished with three hits in the semifinal showdown, while Foulger chipped in with three runs and a RBI, Jorgensen with one run and one RBI and Nielsen with one run and two RBIs. Jackson Pearce also sparkled at the plate for the Trappers as he accounted for two runs, two hits, three runs batted in and one free pass. Buttars contributed with one run, two hits and one RBI for Blacksmith Fork, which got a run, hit, RBI and free pass from Smith and Cullimore.

Nate Dahle and Maddux Smith singled twice apiece for the Wolverines, plus Jensen drove in a run. Ripken Jensen finished with two runs and one hit for the visitors.

Unfortunately for the Trappers, they were unable to maintain their offensive momentum in the finals against the Hawks, who are based out of Henderson, Nevada. Conversely, Silverado, which went 5-0 in the three-day tourney, got off to a great start at the plate and they plated three runs in each of the first three innings.

Blacksmith Fork had opportunities to score some early runs, but stranded runners on third base in each of the first three frames. The hosts had a runner on third with no outs in the first, but were unable to get him — Buttars, who hit a lead-off double — home.

The Trappers, who went 4-1 at the tourney, did piece together three runs in the home half of the seventh to put a bit of pressure on the Hawks. Fougler smacked a two-run triple in that inning. The third baseman scored twice and walked one in the contest, as well. Cullimore contributed with two hits and one RBI for the Trappers, who got a triple from Ryder Bradford and hits from eight different players in the championship game.

Fougler was selected to the all-tournament team, along with teammates Rylin Needham, Pearce and Jorgensen. The Wolverines were represented on the all-tourney team by Dahle, Ripken Jensen and Sam Swan.

The tournament MVP was Silverado’s Hogan Hawkins, who has local ties, inasmuch as both of his parents are from Cache Valley. Two of Silverado’s all-tourney selections, Luke Hughes and X Trolio, came up huge for their team against the Trappers, who also made it to the finals of the other tournament they have competed in so far this summer. Hughes doubled three times, scored three runs and drove in two more, while Trolio belted a two-run homer on his way to a four-RBI performance.

In Saturday’s consolation round action, the Idaho Falls Bruins edged the Rock Springs (Wyoming) Stallions, 8-7, while the Coeur d’Alene (Idaho) Lumbermen blanked the Jackson (Wyoming) Giants, 7-0.

Some local athletes fared well in Friday evening’s Skills Competition, which took place after a barbecue for the players and coaches. The Trappers were victorious in the around the horn relay, as were the Wolverines in the base running team relay. Fougler finished second in the 60-yard dash, while Buttars was the runner-up in the throwing accuracy contest.