By Staff
The Niles varsity baseball team remained undefeated and claimed the South Bend, Ind. Adams Invitational title Saturday.
The Vikings, now 4-0, beat Adams 4-2 in the first round and then beat Harlan Community Academy 18-6 in the title game.
Niles hosts Division 1 No. 2-ranked Portage Central Saturday for a Big 16 Conference doubleheader beginning at noon.
Niles ace John Kessick (2-0) earned his second win of the season as he lasted five innings against Adams. Kyle Kidwell finished the game. The two combined to allow just five hits.
The Vikings scored two runs in each of the third and fourth innings. Adams (2-3) scored once in the third and once in the seventh.
Josh Henry paced Niles with a triple and a single for one RBI. Lyle Watson and Steve Clanton each doubled while Jesse Sallak singled.
In the first round, the Vikings scored seven runs in the first inning and seven more in the second to take a commanding 14-1 lead and held on for the 18-6 win.
Matt Richardson (1-0) earned the pitching victory, lasting five innings before Cory Coquillard came on in relief and finished the game.
Together, they gave up 10 hits.
Niles peppered Harlan with 15 hits and Henry was again an offensive leader with four singles and two RBIs. Richardson helped his own cause with two doubles and a single for three RBIs. Clanton added a double and two singles while Coquillard hit a double and a single for two RBIs. Adrian Davis hit two singles as did Rick Storm and Kyle Isabel added one single.
Niles….18
Harlan Community Academy….10
Niles 770 013--18 15 1
Harlan 102 030--6 10 6
Matt Richardson (W, 1-0), Cory Coquillard (6) and Rick Storm; Erick Adkins (L), Robert Cooley (2) and Chris Dee.
2B: Richardson (N) 2, Coquillard (N), Steve Clanton (N)
Team records: Niles 4-0, Harlan 10-4
Niles….4
South Bend Adams….2
Niles 002 200 0--4 5 1
Adams 001 000 1--2 5 1
John Kessick (W, 2-0), Kyle Kidwell (6) and Rick Storm; Steve Young (L) and James Douglas.
3B: Josh Henry (N)
2B: Lyle Watson (N), Steve Clanton (N)
Team records: Niles 3-0, Adams 2-3