SILVERDALE — Buried under layers of wool, one grumbling spectator called Klahowya’s baseball field “The Frozen Tundra,” borrowing Wisconsin lingo to describe what felt like freezing temps during Tuesday’s game between North Kitsap and the home Eagles.
But as teeth chattered and the wind swished, North’s Andy Smith scattered five hits and a run over six innings to stay hot. The senior co-captain also drove in two runs, helping his own cause as the Vikings tromped away with a chilly 6-1 victory to break a two-game losing streak.
“He’s done a great job,” North coach Jeff Weible said of Smith, whose other appearances this season were in relief. “This was kind of a must-win for us today. We asked him to go get a job done and he did it, so I’m real happy for him.”
The Vikings played error-free defense, something that’s becoming a team trademark, and managed just enough offense against the Eagles’ top two pitchers, Eric Eley and Curtis Pitcher.
Nick Benish’s two-run single to left field with two outs, the bases loaded and the score 1-0 gave the Vikings a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning. A passed ball during the ensuing at-bat allowed Smith to score, making it 4-0.
The four-run cushion was more than enough for Smith, who was 1-for-3 at the plate, scoring two runs.
“Pretty much all my pitches were working for me,” he said. “I felt pretty good from the get-go. Once I warmed up and got going, it was good.”
Despite scoring six runs, Weible said his team needs to be more consistent in putting the ball in play and runners on base. Do that, he explained, and the already solid pitching, defense and team speed should make the Vikings a tough draw.
“I was begging and pleading with our guys to lay a bunt down, especially when we’re struggling, trying to get hits in key situations,” Weible said. “One of our greatest assets is our team speed. If we can get a lead and start using our speed a little bit more, then we’re going to be a tough team.”
Moreover, North appears as good as any team in the Olympic League on defense, a luxury Smith said helped him pitch in the cold weather Tuesday.
“They played amazing,” Smith said. “It gives me confidence; I can throw strikes all day and not have to worry about the hitter because I know my defense is going to make the play.”
The Vikings (3-3 overall, 2-2 league) host Port Townsend at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
