By By DAN WEISS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- Pitching is invaluable in high school baseball, and that was apparent Thursday afternoon at Thomas Stadium as Niles gave up just four hits in a sweep of Dowagiac in Big 16 Conference West Division play.
Niles senior John Kessick tossed a no-hitter in an 8-0 win to open the series. Junior Matt Richardson gave up just three hits in five innings of work and senior Kyle Kidwell allowed one hit the rest of the way as the Vikings beat Dowagiac 9-4 in the second game.
Kessick, who improved to 6-0 with his second no-hitter of the season, struck out nine batters and walked just two. Despite that line of statistics, Kessick may not have even been at his best.
Niles is now 14-6 overall and 5-1 in the West Division while Dowagiac is 15-12 and 2-4.
The Chieftains committed three errors in the first game and four in the second. Pitchers Davey Moran and Brandon Zachary gave up seven hits in the first game before Chris Singleton and Jeff Cooper gave up 10 hits in the second game.
Sophomore Lyle Watson enjoyed a big day at the plate for Niles, hitting his first varsity home run and a double in the first game before doubling again in the second. Adrian Davis hit a triple in the second game. Josh Henry doubled in the first game while Cory Coquillard and Kidwell each hit a double in the second.
Jesse Cox hit a double for Dowagiac in the second game.
Richardson, who is 3-2 on the year, got off to a shaky start in the second game as he allowed three hits and one run in the first inning. He did not give up another hit, however, in the next four innings.
Niles hosts Paw Paw for a non-conference doubleheader Saturday at noon.
Dowagiac hosts the Bryan Frazier Memorial Tournament Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at Rotary Park.