Huffman no-hitter helps Niles to sweep

KALAMAZOO — Jake Huffman tossed a no-hitter in the opening game as visiting Niles swept Kalamazoo Loy Norrix in a SMAC non-conference baseball doubleheader Tuesday.

Jake Huffman

Jake Huffman

The Vikings won the first game 12-0 in five inning. Niles (5-0) took the nightcap 13-3 in six innings.

No Loy Norrix batter was able to locate Huffman’s pitches during the game. Huffman threw a no-hitter, striking out six batters and walking none while recording his momentous feat. He got a fly ball for the final out of the game.

Nine runs in the opening three innings allowed the Vikings to easily put away Loy Norrix. An RBI single by Jordan Ham during the first inning and a steal of home by Jason Hoida, an RBI single by Bryce Lake, and a groundout by Chris Frantz in the second inning supplied the early offense for the Vikings.

Drew Huffman racked up three RBIs on three hits for Niles. He singled in the second, third, and fourth innings.

Parlato took the loss for Loy Norrix. He allowed nine runs in three innings, walked none and struck out none.

In the nightcap, the Vikings scored five runs in the fifth on the Vikings scored in the fifth on an RBI single by Ham, a two-run single by Wyatt Thornton, an error, and a groundout by Lake.

The teams traded runs for most of the contest, leading to seven lead changes in the game.

Niles finally managed to grab the lead after a strong fourth inning. A sacrifice fly by Ham scored Frantz and gave the Vikings the lead for good.

The Vikings were led by a flawless day at the dish by Frantz, who went 3-for-3 against Loy Norrix’s pitching. He doubled in the fourth inning and singled in the first and fifth innings.

Wyatt Thornton got the win for Niles. He pitched two shutout innings. He struck out three, walked two and surrendered one hit.

Allen couldn’t get it done on the bump for Loy Norrix, taking a loss. He lasted just 3 1/3 innings, walked five, struck out two, and allowed four runs.

The Vikings jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first. The Vikings attack began with a single from Frantz. A stolen base then moved Frantz from first to second. Frantz then stole home.

The fourth spelled defeat for Loy Norrix, as Niles grabbed the lead for good. More runners rounded the bases on an RBI double by Frantz, a fielder’s choice, and an RBI single by Cody Thornton.

 

NILES 12-13, LOY NORRIX 0-3

First Game

Niles                135     21 – 12 13 2

Loy Norrix      000     00 – 0 0 1

Jake Huffman (W, x-x); Parlato (L)

2B: Wyatt Thornton (N), Jordan Ham (N), Jason Hoida (N), Chris Frantz (N)

 

Second Game

Niles                101     452 – 13 9 1

Loy Norrix      021     000 – 3 6 4

Cody Thornton, Wyatt Thornton (W, 5); Allen (L), Mitchell

2B: Chris Frantz (N), Allen (LN), Rinehart (LN)

Varsity record: Niles 5-0

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