Cardinal bats break out in NWAC-opening sweep at Treasure Valley

ONTARIO, Ore. — Visiting North Idaho College hit nine home runs, including two by Kennedy Hobson in the second game en route to a 11-0 and 15-4 sweep of the Treasure Valley Chukars in the Northwest Athletic Conference opener for both teams on Friday.

Sophomore Kani Korok hit a three-run home run in the second inning of the opener for NIC. Kristine Schmidt, a freshman from Coeur d'Alene High, struck out three in four innings for the Cardinals.

"We came out aggressive with our bats and were barreling up the ball nicely," NIC coach Shay Chapman said. "We did a good job of creating havoc on their defense. Kristine was really solid on the mound and Jaylyn (Christensen) came in and pitched well in relief." 

In the second game, Hobson hit a solo home run in the fourth, then added a three-run shot later in the inning for the Cardinals.

"She's been struggling a little at the plate, so it was good to see her come out and work through her slump," Chapman said. "We've been missing her bat, so it was nice to see her come out of her slump."

NIC (10-2) visits Blue Mountain of Pendleton, Ore., for a doubleheader today.

FIRST GAME

North Idaho    430    40    —    11    12    1

Treasure Valley    000    00    —    0    4    4

Game called after 5 innings due to 8-run rule.

Kristine Schmidt, Jaylyn Christensen (5) and Corine Duran; Shaylee Burraston, Halle Leavitt (2) and Shay McDaniel. 

HITS: NIC — Hommel 2, Kostoff, Korok, Vieira 3, Rockwell 2, Makinster, Schulhauser 2. TVCC — Jenkins 2, McDaniel 2. 2B — Schulhauser. HR — Korok, Makinster, Schulhauser.

SECOND GAME

North Idaho    220    83    —    15    14    1

Treasure Valley    103    00    —    4    5    3

Game called after 5 innings due to 8-run rule.

Jaylyn Christensen, Kennedy Hobson (4) and Kennedy Jewell; Madison Van Sickle, Madyson Arellano (4) and Merissa Medley. 

HITS: NIC — Korok 3, Vieira 2, Rockwell 2, Makinster 2, Schulhauser 2, Hobson 3. TVCC — Jenkins, McDaniel, Van Sickle, Milne 2. 2B — Korok, Milne. HR — Korok, Vieira, Rockwell, Makinster, Hobson 2, Van Sickle.

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