Outlaws earn spot at state tournament

Going into last week's American Legion Montana/Alberta South A Division Tournament in Butte, the Gallatin Valley Outlaws were well aware they would already have a spot at state because it is being played at their home field in Three Forks. It turns out they would have qualified anyway after a second place finish at 3 Legends Stadium.

The Outlaws opened the tournament with a 18-6 win Thursday over Livingston and a 7-0 win Friday evening over the Helena Reps. After dropping a 10-0 game Saturday against eventual champion Belgrade, Gallatin Valley turned around Sunday morning and qualified for state with a 9-4 win over Dillon. They finished second after a 10-0 loss Sunday afternoon to Belgrade.

"We were just glad that we earned our state berth even though it was an automatic berth," Murphy said. "We earned it and that was the most important part."

The Outlaws (34-32) will open the state tournament Thursday night at 5 p.m. against the Bitterroot Red Sox. The tournament games will be played at Imerys Field in Three Forks.

"Our goals for state are to be competitive go out and play every game with confidence and hopefully make a little noise," Murphy said.

For a bracket and more information, visit http://www.montanalegionbaseball.org/home.