Single-Minded Nic Earns Split

North Idaho College piled up 10 singles in a nine-run second inning Wednesday on the way to a 13-9 first-game win and a split of a non-league baseball doubleheader with visiting Prairie Academy.

In the second game, Prairie erupted for nine runs in the fifth inning and held off the Cardinals 13-10.

Bryan Miller led the Cardinals at the plate with five hits on the day. Jason Bay had two hits in each game, including a home run, his 18th, in the nightcap. Also homering in the second game for NIC were Chris Florko, his 12th, and Al Bevacqua, his eighth.

Right fielder George Arnott doubled twice and finished 3 for 5, and four other Gonzaga players had a pair of hits in leading the Bulldogs to an 11-7 non-league win over St. Martin’s at August/A.R.T. Stadium.

The Bulldogs (12-32) settled the issue with a six-run third inning that answered a five-run third by St. Martin’s. GU took advantage of six hits and two errors in the rally to open an 8-5 lead.

Finishing with two hits each for the Bulldogs were left fielder Kevin Taylor, third baseman Travis Knight, shortstop Bo Hart and first baseman Adam Stokey.

Gonzaga pitcher Tucker Urdahl picked up his first win against five losses, lasting 5 innings and giving up six hits and seven earned runs. He finished with three strikeouts and four walks.

Eastern Washington University will play host to a six-team Big Sky Conference tournament this weekend.

The Eagles, who play at the club level, will entertain teams from Montana State, Boise State, Montana, Weber State and Idaho on Saturday and Sunday at three sites. The first pitch is scheduled for 9 a.m. each day.

Saturday’s round-robin format will determine seeding for Sunday’s single-elimination games. Each team is guaranteed three games.

Saturday’s pairings: Pool A, BSU vs. MSU, 9 a.m. at EWU’s Chissus Field; EWU vs. MSU, noon at EWU; BSU vs. EWU, 3 p.m. at EWU. Pool B, Idaho vs. Weber State, 9 a.m. at Medical Lake High; Montana vs. Weber State, noon at Medical Lake; Idaho vs. Montana, 3 p.m. at Medical Lake.

Sunday’s schedule will feature games at EWU and Cheney High School. The championship game is scheduled for 3 p.m. at EWU.

Golf

Arizona State freshman Paul Casey was among three teammates to shoot under par in the final round as the Sun Devils won their fourth consecutive Pac-10 men’s championship in Orinda, Calif.

Casey shot a 6-under-par 66 for a 5-under 283 total in pacing ASU to first place ahead of UCLA, Arizona and Cal. The Golden Bears led the first three rounds.

Washington State senior Max McCaine, in his final collegiate competition, shot a 1-over 289 to finish in a tie for sixth place. The Cougars settled for last place.