Fisher slam lifts Bulldogs over West Valley

SPOKANE — Ben Fisher started his senior season in style, hitting a grand slam for his first ever high school home run, leading Sandpoint to an impressive 14-6 win over West Valley Tuesday in season-opening action at West Valley High School.

Tevin Hamilton was solid on the mound, striking out seven batters and allowing just one run in four strong innings. Five of the strikeouts were looking, an indication his stuff was filthy.

“Tevin was amazing,” said head coach Chris Young. “He went four innings and did everything I wanted.”

Eric Nikssarian came on in relief in the fifth inning after West Valley grabbed a 6-4 lead, then picked up the win after the Bulldogs’ bats exploded for nine runs in the sixth inning to put the game away.

Fisher, whose slam capped the big inning, finished with four hits, and Joel Cramer, Corey Neer and Daniel Charvoz had two apiece as the Bulldogs (1-0) banged out 12 hits. They also stole five bases, which figures to be a staple of the offense this season.

“We flew around the whole game,” described Young. “Between Fish and Nikssarian, we were taking bases at will. They were getting a good jump on the pitchers.”

Sandpoint travels to Lewiston for an IEL doubleheader on Saturday.

Sandpoint     012 109 1 — 14   12   4

West Valley  001 050 0 —   6   10   2

Tevin Hamilton, Eddie Ogle (5), Markus Davis (5), Eric Nikssarian (6) and Corey Neer; S Salazar, Liberg (3), Davis (5), Terhaur (6), Stazel (6) and Smith. W — Nikssairian (1-0). L — Davis.

HITS: Spt — Fisher 4, Nikssarian, Cramer 2, Anthony, Neer 2, Charvoz 2. 2B — Cramer. HR — Fisher.