Hawkins has huge day as Sandpoint sweeps Lakeland

SANDPOINT — Cory Hawkins had a monster night for Sandpoint, lacing two home runs among his six hits and pitching a four-hitter for a victory as the Bulldogs swept both ends of a doubleheader with Lakeland Tuesday at War Memorial Field.

Hawkins got the win in game one, as Sandpoint built an early lead and won 12-2 via the 10-run rule. In the second game, he hit home runs his first two time at the plate, blasting both down the left field power alleys to lead his team to an 8-4 win.

"They were fastballs right down the pipe," said Hawkins. "I got a good jump on the balls, read the laces and hit them."

The Bulldogs (5-9, 3-5) had 21 hits in the games, and only struck out four times, able to put together numerous two-out rallies by putting the ball in play.

Lakeland (3-9, 0-8) was victimized by issuing too many free passes, which lead to early deficits.

"Pitching is hurting us right now," said Hawks' coach Jason Bradbury, who despite his team's record, believes they can play with anyone in the IEL. "At the beginning of the season we pitched well, now we're walking too many and you can't compete with that."

Sandpoint plays at Bonners Ferry on Wednesday.

GAME 1

Lakeland 110 00 — 2 4 2

Sandpoint 322 14 —12 9 1

Corey Rorenbach, Ryan Brunett (2), Gil South (3) and Dan Donoian; Cory Hawkins and Cody Reichart. W — Hawkins. L — Rorenbach.

HITS: LL — Marks 2, Vandever, Bruner. Spt — C. Hawkins 2, Semones, Lichty, Reichart, Stewart, W. Hawkins 2, Fisher. 2B — Marks, Bruner.

GAME 2

Lakeland 000 040 0 — 4 4 2

Sandpoint 220 301 X — 8 12 1

C.J. Shein, Cam Garcia (6) and Danoian; Tyler Lichty, Dustin Hawkins (5) and Reichart. W — Lichty. L — Shein.

HITS: LL — Carr, Bruner, Burnett, South. Spt — C. Hawkins 4, Semones, Tonnemacher, Reichart, Armbruster, D. Hawkins, Stewart 2, Fisher. 2B — Bruner, Stewart. 3B — Carr. HR — C. Hawkins 2.