Big innings lead Vikings over Bulldogs

SANDPOINT — The Vikings plated 17 runs in the final two frames to blow open a close game, routing the Bulldogs 19-1 in nonleague baseball action Wednesday at War Memorial Field.

Drew Turbin hit a 400 plus foot home run that landed on the roof of the bleachers in right field, and Mikey Schmidt struck out 11 in six sharp innings, allowing just four hits to lead the Vikings (12-1).

Sophomore Caleb Nishimoto provided a bright spot for Sandpoint (0-6) in defeat, holding a potent Vikings’ lineup to just two runs in five quality innings of work to keep the game close early.

Tyler Gordon, who has been the Bulldogs’ hottest hitter to this point, smacked two singles and right fielder Sam Nitcy made a highlight reel diving catch in right field for the Bulldogs, who rested their top starters for a pivotal doubleheader against 4A North rival Lakeland today.

“That was the best outing Caleb has had; he’s come a long way,” said Bulldogs head coach Chris Young, who talked with his team after the game about bouncing back quickly. “They need to find something as a team to get us back tomorrow (against Lakeland). Those are the games that mean something to us.”

First pitch is at 3 p.m. at War Memorial Field. Tevin Hamilton will start the opener, and Eric Nikssarian the nightcap.

Coeur d’Alene 101 007 (10) — 19  13 0

Sandpoint        000 001  0    — 1    4   6

Mikey Schmidt, Storm Ransom (7) and Kaleb DeHaas; Caleb Nishimoto, Jake Clad (6), Nick Halpin (6) and Eddo Feyen. W — Schmidt. L — Nishimoto (0-2).

HITS: Cd’A — Lambert 2, Turbin 2, Lockert, Comack, DeHaas, L. Pereira 3, J. Pereira, Ransom 2. Spt — Nikssarian, Gordon 2, Schwartz. 2B — Turbin, Lockert, DeHaas, L. Pereira, Ransom 2. 3B — Lambert. HR — Turbin.