Idaho Falls Bandits claim 3rd straight state championship, advance to Regionals

NAMPA, Idaho (KIFI) - The Idaho Falls Bandits are one step closer to a national three-peat, as the Bandits won their third straight state AA championship with a pair of victories on Tuesday in Nampa.

After taking an elimination matchup Monday, the Bandits had to win twice Tuesday to keep the state title. Idaho Falls dominated Coeur d'Alene 12-0 in the first game to advance to the championship.

Then, in a game that was closer than the final score, the Bandits won the state title over the Pocatello Runnin' Rebels 9-1 to advance to Regionals. Idaho Falls held a 2-1 lead going into the 6th inning, then scored two runs in the 6th and five in the 7th to pull away.

Next up, the Bandits begin Regionals in Gillette, Wyoming with a matchup against the Colorado state champions next Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.