Staff report

Grangeville won't be winning a third straight Class 2A baseball title. The Wendell Trojans made sure of that on Thursday, edging the Bulldogs 3-2 in the opening round of state play in Orofino.

Trailing 2-1, Wendell used a double play to end the bottom of the fifth. The play came with the bases loaded.

Riding that momentum, the Trojans opened the sixth inning with a pair of singles. Miguel Orozco advanced the runners on a bunt and Nolan Stouder's grounder, coupled with a Grangeville error, allowed two runs to score.

"It feels good to win," said Wendell coach Jesse Koopman. "We're excited."

Joey Rocha got the win for Wendell, striking out 11 and walking five in what Koopman called a "gutsy performance."

After struggling in the middle innings, Rocha shut the door on Grangeville late to seal the win.

The win means a chance for the Trojans to avenge their only loss to a 2A team all spring. Wendell will meet Nampa Christian at 3:30 p.m., today in the state semifinals. Wendell lost to Nampa Christian at the Glenns Ferry Tournament in April.

Class 2A state tournament

Wendell 3, Grangeville 2

Wendell 010 002 0 â€" 3 3 2

Grangeville 011 000 0 â€" 2 6 2

Joey Rocha and Jasper Petersen. Potensky and Maynard.

Extra-base hits â€" 2B: Grangville, Crosby.