By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
BENTON HARBOR - The Dowagiac varsity baseball team committed six errors in the opening game of its Big 16 Conference West Division opener against Benton Harbor.
The result was a split for the Chieftains, who dropped the first game 12-4, but rallied to win the nightcap 17-3 in five innings.
Dowagiac (8-4, 2-0 SMAC West) did not commit an error in the second game.
Scott Wilkinson (1-1) took the loss as he worked four innings, allowing 12 runs on eight hits with two strike outs and four walks. JoAngel Goins worked two innings, allowing two hits.
Dowagiac managed just five hits in the opening game, a double by Jamie Simpson and singles by David Stuppy, Jesse Cox, Nick File and Rob Duszynski.
In the second game Simpson (2-1) tossed a three-hitter with eight strike outs and two walks.
Dowagiac scored 17 runs on eight hits. Benton Harbor committed six errors.
Simpson helped his own cause with a pair of doubles and three RBIs.
Stuppy went 2-for-4 , while Mike Kasper also had two hits.
Dowagiac will return to action today when it hosts Big 16 non-divisional foe Portage Central at Rotary Park. The game is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.
First game
Dow 202 000 0 - 4 5 6
Benton Harbor 615 000 x - 12 10 5
Kline (W), Scott Wilkinson (L, 1-1)
2B: Jamie Simpson (D)
HR: Edwards (BH) 2
Second game
Dowagiac 362 60 - 17 8 0
Benton Harbor 102 00 - 3 3 6
Jamie Simpson (W, 2-1), Ken Payno (L)
2B: Simpson (D) 2, Williams (BH)