Hammack, Kirsher go long in Bulldogs' loss

KELLOGG — Rachel Hammack and Maggie Kirscher each hit their third home runs of the season, but it wasn’t enough, as some base running errors proved costly in Sandpoint’s 7-6 nonleague loss Thursday at Kellogg.

The Bulldogs (3-5) spotted the Wildcats six runs in the first three innings, before settling down and eventually tying the game at 6-6 in the 5th inning. A single with two outs in the seventh by Carli Durick scored the winning run for Kellogg (1-1), which also got a home run from Taylor Huber.

Hammack and Kirscher had three hits apiece, as the duo continues to provide some serious hunder in the middle of the lineup.

“They’re just crushing the ball,” said Bulldogs head coach Derek Dickinson of his two infielders. “Just being smart batters and making good adjustments. When they see a pitch they like they go all out; they’re not going to get cheated.”

Durick’s game winning hit came when an umpire obstructed Kirscher on a grounder to short. Dickenson said the umpire felt bad, but that it’s part of the game. He was mostly upset that his team committed three base running mistakes that led to three double plays, and the Bulldogs didn’t capitalize enough on their 11 hits.

“We have some flashes of brilliance with the bat, but we’re making some silly mistakes,” admitted Dickenson. “We’re trying to iron it out as quickly as we can.”

Sandpoint hosts Lakeland on April 13.

Sandpoint    102    030    0    —    6    11    2

Kellogg    222    000    1    —    7    9    2

Molly Givens and Meghan Hamilton; Haley Dulaney and Taylor Samuelson; W — Dulaney. L — Givens (2-3).

HITS: Spt — Hamilton 2, Hammack 3, Kirscher 3, Quigley, Elsfelder; Kel — Huber 2, Hojem, Vicite 2, Ivie 2, Durick. 2B — Hammack 2, Hamilton, Ellsfelder, Ivie. 3B — Vicite. HR — Huber, Hammack, Kirscher.