BENTON HARBOR — A four-run fourth inning broke open a close game and allowed visiting Niles to earn a SMAC West Division sweep of Benton Harbor Thursday.

Leading 4-3 entering the top of the fourth, the Vikings scored four runs on four hits.

Tayton Stevens led off the inning with a single and moved to second on a sacrifice fly by Jake Lalone. After Bryce Lake was hit by a pitch, Drew Huffman singled to load the bases.

Jakob Huffman following with a two-run single to make it 6-3, which was followed by a two-run double by Austin Curran to give Niles an 8-3 lead.

The Vikings (7-2, 2-0 West) added a run in the fifth.

Jakob Huffman was 3-for-3 with two RBIs, while Curran was 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Drew Huffman also had two hits and drove in a run.

Jacob Hamm worked the first five innings, allowing five runs on five hits with eight strikeouts. Curran worked the final two innings to earn the save.

In the nightcap, Lake and Drew Huffman both had two hits, while Jakob Huffman and Curran each drove in a pair of runs.

Lake, who doubled in the contest, went the distance as he gave up one earned run on five hits with nine strikeouts and no walks.

Niles softball

BENTON HARBOR — Visiting Niles needed just six innings to sweep Benton Harbor in SMAC West softball Thursday.

The Vikings (4-8, 2-0 West) blanked the Tigers 16-0 in the first game and 19-0 in the nightcap. Both games lasted just three innings.

Niles finished the sweep with 16 hits and did not commit and error against Benton Harbor.

“We did what we needed to do, come here and pick up a couple of wins,” Niles coach Rick McKeel said. “We have a tough week next week with Portage Northern at home on Tuesday and Edwardsburg away on Thursday.”

In the opener, Addison Davies had a pair of hits, including a double and two RBIs.

Michelle Crouch and Caitlin Daly both drove in two runs.

Brooke Timm tossed a three-hitter with five strikeouts.

In the nightcap, Crouch tossed a three-hitter with five strikeouts.

Timm was 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI, while Davies was 2-for-4 with three RBIs.

Tegan Bays had a triple. Caitlyn Daly and Morgan Altgergott both drove in two runs.

NILES 16-19, BENTON HARBOR 0-0

At Benton Harbor

First game

Niles             664 – 16 7 0

B. Harbor    000 – 0 3 9

Brooke Timm (W); B. Reed (L).

2B: A Davies, Patterson (BH).

Second game

Niles              34(12) – 19 9 0

B. Harbor    000 – 0 3 5

Michelle Crouch (W); B. Reed (L).

2B: Timm (N), Nichols (BH).

3B: Tegan Bays (N), Bruce (BH).Varsity record: Niles 4-8, 2-0 SMAC West.