A 12-run first inning for the Juneau-Douglas Crimson Bears put their visiting  Railbelt Conference foe Wasilla in a hole.

A deep wet Southeastern softball mud hole.

“The key was we are a Southeastern team and they are not,” JDHS coach Dave Massey said. “We knew how to play in the rain.”

Wasilla pitchers had trouble controlling the softball on Thursday at Melvin Park 2, allowing 19 walks, and four hits while just striking out one.

The Thunder Mountain High School boys' soccer team put in a solid effort against one of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley’s top teams Thursday in Wasilla.

Playing with a make shift line up due to three starters not traveling, the Falcons overcame that adversity and competed with, according to co-coach Dave Ringle, “An impressive spirit.”

An already weather-influenced season has made for difficult practice sessions across the state and the Falcons found them themselves on a tough pitch against the Warriors.

Friday, May 3

AUTO RACING

8 a .m., ESPN2 — NASCAR, Nationwide Series, pole qualifying for Aaron’s 312, at Talladega, Ala.

10 a.m., SPEED — NASCAR, Sprint Cup, practice for Aaron’s 499, at Talladega, Ala.

11:30 a.m., SPEED — NASCAR, Sprint Cup, “Happy Hour Series,” final practice for Aaron’s 499, at Talladega, Ala.

1 p.m., SPEED — ARCA, International Motorsports Hall of Fame 250, at Talladega, Ala.

GOLF

5 a.m., TGC — European PGA Tour, China Open, second round, at Tianjin, China (same-day tape)

The Juneau-area Special Olympics local games are scheduled for the next two weekends in Juneau.

The track and field games will be held May 5 at 1 p.m. at the Thunder Mountain High School track. The basketball local games will be held May 11 at 3 p.m. at the Floyd Dryden Middle School gym. The public is invited to attend and cheer on their local athletes.

Further support for the local Special Olympics athlete is possible through the Law Enforcement Torch Run being held at twin Lakes on May 18 at 10 a.m.