The Observer/BARRETT HENDERSON

Already at 1-1 in the North Oregon state tournament, Union County could not afford another loss and play a top team from the National Divison.

Unfortunately for Union County, it was a must-win game for Hermiston as well.

POWER TO THE PEEBLES: Steven Peebles of Redmond holds on during his bareback riding second place finish first round score of 79. After the first go-round Shannon Miller of LaLuz, N.M., leads with an 82. - Observer photos/BARRETT HENDERSON

And Tallman was right. Wednesday night’s large crowd was treated to an excellent start to the Chief Joseph Days.

The main grandstands were full along with most of the far side bleachers at Harley Tucker Memorial Arena. The atmosphere was one-of-a-kind. The aroma of the burgers supporting the Joseph education system just blocked out the animals enough.

GOING, GOING, GONE: La Grande and Isaac Chamberlain are headed to the state semifinals after beating Klamath Falls Tuesday. Observer file photo

Tuesday the La Grande All-Stars defeated Klamath Falls, 13-1, in its final game in pool play.

“I thought we came out of the gates real slow,” La Grande manager Kraig Jacobs said. “I was worried we were having a repeat of our first game versus Murrayhill.

TIGHT SQUEEZE: Union County’s Brandon Cederholm is tagged out at home by the Snake River Valley Americans’ catcher during UC’s 13-3 opening game victory at the North Oregon state tournament. The Observer/BARRETT HENDERSON

After defeating the Snake River Valley Americans 11-6 just 11 days in the District 3 tournament, the Americans gave Union County all it could handle Tuesday night at Optimist Field.

Union County only had a 1-0 lead on the Americans after four innings before two breakout innings in the fifth and sixth to overwhelm Snake River Valley, 13-3.

MOUND MENACE: La Grande’s Mitch Workinger throws a pitch during a 4-3 loss to Pendleton in the District 3 championship game. - The Observer/PAUL HARDER

That’s all that separated the La Grande 11- and 12-year-old Little League team from advancing to the state tournament in Eugene this weekend.

“The kids played a great game,” Manager Tony Boyd said. “It’s a tough way to lose a baseball game.”

ENTERPRISE — The La Grande 11- and-12-year-old Little League baseball team is one step closer to returning to the state tournament for the first time since 2002.

Thursday La Grande defeated Union County 13-1 in three and a half innings in the District 3 semifinals.

“We played really well today,” La Grande manager Tony Boyd said. “We really hit the ball. We’re excited to be in the championships against Pendleton. It’s going to be a battle. They are a solid team. They can hit the ball and pitch very well.”

HAMMER OF TROY: La Grande’s Troy Williams helped key a 8-6 win against Baker at the 11- and 12-year-old District 3 Little League tournament in Enterprise Wednesday. Williams pitched three shut-out innings. Observer file photo

La Grande finished pool play at the District 3 tournament 4-0 with the victory.

“This was a battle of two very good hitting ball clubs,”

LOCK AND LOAD: La Grande’s Kurt Boyd prepares to unload on an offering by a Pilot Rock pitcher Tuesday. The Observer/PAUL HARDER

For Pilot Rock the game was a must-win as it entered the contest 0-2 in pool play. Pilot Rock gave La Grande all it could handle for much of Tuesday’s game.

“For some reason it’s taking our bats awhile to get going,”

MAKING MONEY: Paul Jones of Elko, Nev., scored an 80-point ride to win the bareback riding competition at the Elgin Stampede. Observer photos/PAUL HARDER

Well, unless you’re from Eastern Oregon or any other region associated with a deep history of rodeo action.

The stampede grounds in Elgin played host to the Mark Nichols Memorial Bull Riding and Barrel Racing competition Friday. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association took over the arena Saturday and Sunday.

ENTERPRISE — The La Grande 11-12-year-old Little League baseball team had a great start at the District 3 tournament hosted by Wallowa Valley Little League.

“We played pretty well,” La Grande manager Tony Boyd said. “We really started hitting the ball. We played good defense, only committing three errors in two games.”