Vikings split with Loy Norrix
Published 9:09 am Friday, April 28, 2017
- Niles’ Drew Huffman singles for the Vikings against Kalamazo Loy Norrix Wednesday The Vikings split with the Knight, winning the first game 17-2. (Leader photo/SCOTT NOVAK)
It was night and day for the Niles baseball team in its SMAC doubleheader against visiting Kalamazoo Loy Norrix Wednesday.
The Vikings exploded for 12 runs in the first inning of the opening game and defeated the Knights 17-2 in three innings.
Loy Norrix then took advantage of some physical and mental mistakes by the Vikings in the nightcap to win 5-2.
The split left Niles with a 3-4 overall record.
“First game, I was very happy with our focus, intensity, and attention to detail,” said Niles coach Mike Vota. “Second game, we had difficulty transitioning our energy level and focus. We made a few mental errors and physical errors that inhibited our success.
“These are all correctable things and, we feel good about our learning experiences moving forward. We will continue to grow as a team and prepare appropriately for success. I like the mentality of the team moving forward.”
Jakob Huffman tossed a two-hitter with two strikeouts in earning the opening game victory over the Knights.
The Vikings finished with 14 hits, including three from Keegan Neumann and Huffman. Neumann doubled, as did Austin Curran.
Bryce Lake, Drew Huffman and Dawson Clemens all finished with two hits.
Jake Lalone added a triple.
Niles had seventh hits in the second game, but was unable to capitalize on them.
The Vikings also committed three errors that aided Loy Norrix’s offense.
Drew Huffman started and worked five innings for Niles, allowing four hits and striking out 10. Jacob Hamm pitched the final two innings, allowing four hits.
Jakob Huffman was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI for Niles.
The Vikings were back in action Thursday, as they hosted Edwardsburg in a non-conference doubleheader.
LOY NORRIX 2-5, NILES 17-2
At Niles
First game
Loy Norrix 200 – 2 2 1
Niles (12)05 – 17 14 1
Jakob Huffman (W).
2B: Keegan Neumann (N), Austin Curran (N).
3B: Jake Lalone (N).
HR: J. Rinelart (LN).
Second game
Loy Norrix 010 102 1 – 5 8 4
Niles 000 010 0 – 2 7 3
- Dougherty (W); Drew Huffman (L), Jacob Hamm (6).
2B: B. Allen (LN), Jakob Huffman (N).
Varsity record: Niles 3-4.
