Vikings top Bulldogs 9-4

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint served notice that they’re ready to hold their own in the Inland Empire League, building a 2-0 lead heading into the fourth inning before Coeur d’Alene scored five runs and cruised to a 9-4 win Thursday at Travers Park.

While it goes in the books as a loss for Sandpoint (0-7-1, 0-3 IEL), it marked the closest they’ve played the Vikings in several years. Kym DaVault and Molly Givens combined to hold the Vikings to nine hits. Givens added an RBI double to right center, which nearly plated two Bulldogs as C.J. Semones was thrown out in a close play at home.

Jessica Kraft roped a laser over the centerfielder’s head for a two-run, inside the park homer, and Kathy Comack added three hits as the Vikings (8-1, 2-1 IEL) plated five runs in the fourth inning to grab the lead for good.

Sandpoint hosts Moscow in a pivotal 4A doubleheader showdown on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for noon at Travers Park.

Coeur d’Alene 000 511 2 — 9  9  1

Sandpoint        200 200 0 — 4  4  5

Kathy Comack, Amber Coburn (3) and Jessica Eppens; Kym DaVault, Molly Givens (3) and Sierra Rodriguez/Jessica Tucker. W — Coburn. L — Givens.

HITS: Cd’a — Brouilland 2, Draft 2, Comack 3, Eppers 2. Spt — Semones, Givens, Hammack, Adams. 3B — Eppers. HR — Kraft.