Vikings Strike Back In Third To Remain Perfect For Season

After watching his team give up six runs to the Ferris Saxons in the top of the third inning to blow a three-run lead, Coeur d’Alene High baseball coach Paul Mather wondered how the Vikings would react.

“My biggest concern is how my team responds to adversity; that’s the thing that’s important,” Mather said.

The Vikings didn’t fold, answering with eight runs in the bottom of the inning en route to a 15-9 non-league win at Canfield Middle School.

The eight-run outburst was led by Todd Hughes, who had two RBIs and also scored twice as the Vikings sent 12 men to the plate.

Mark Scates earned his second win of the year for Coeur d’Alene (4-0), behind the efforts of his infield and his bat.

“Our infield is the best I’ve seen in the three years that I’ve been here,” said Scates, who also knocked in two RBIs.

The infield proved its value in the top of the fifth as the Saxons scored a run and then loaded the bases with one out. The rally died when Scates coaxed Ferris leadoff hitter Justin McKitterick to ground into a double play.

The Saxons (1-2) were unable to mount another comeback, despite the efforts of Kurt Smidt, who went 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs. “The Saxons hit the ball well against one of our best pitchers and played really well,” Mather said.

The teams were forced to play at Canfield because the new baseball field at Coeur d’Alene High won’t be open until next month.

According to Mather, the Vikings early season success can be attributed to hard work in practice and good chemistry among the players.

“We have 10 seniors on the team and juniors that contribute too,” Mather said. “It gives us a nice balance of experience and young talent.”

The Vikings’ next game is at Lewis and Clark’s Hart Field on Friday.