POULSBO — North Kitsap spelled defense with a capital “D” Friday on its home diamond. The Vikings didn’t commit an error, putting forth a perfect fielding percentage (1.000), which proved to be the driving force behind their 7-1 victory over South Kitsap.
“Our defense kept us in the game,” said Vikings coach Bill Hobaugh. “It’s winning games for us right now.”
North’s stellar play in the field was on display in the top of the second inning. With the Vikes clinging to an early 2-0 lead, South was threatening with the bases loaded with only one out. A South batter blasted a sharp drive in the direction of Vikings right-fielder Ashley Tobin. Tobin made a great read on the ball, coming up with a tough catch and quickly fired the ball to first base doubling up the runner to end the inning.
“That was a big double play,” Hobaugh said. “It saved us some runs.” The trio of Tobin, Jordan Jewett and Sara Mathiesen form one of the top outfields in the Narrows League.
“I think we have three of the best outfielders in the league right now,” Hobaugh said. “They can cover so much ground.”
Vikings left fielder Mathiesen has been making spectacular plays throughout the season.
“We’re all clicking together,” she said. “We’re playing as a team, and it’s helping us win games.”
Vikings ace hurler Jenneke Oostman picked up the victory despite giving up 11 hits in the contest. She threw seven strikeouts, while allowing one run in five innings of work. Oostman got the outs when she needed them, stranding 10 South runners.
Offensively, the Vikings pounded out 11 hits. The majority of those hits came at the most opportune times for North.
“We had timely hitting,” Hobaugh said. “They had more hits than us but we got them when we needed it.”
The Vikings began the bottom of the third with a 3-0 lead. By the end of the third, they scored two more insurance runs, extending their lead to 5-0. Josie Ball singled and Kendal Peiguss reached base on an error to start the inning. Hannah McCluskey then doubled off of the center field wall, scoring Ball and Peiguss, giving North some breathing room they would never relinquish.
Peiguss entered the circle in relief for Oostman in top of the sixth for the Vikings. Peiguss performed brilliantly surrendering only one hit, while tossing a shutout in two innings of work.
Oostman went two for two and Jewett and Mathiesen both went two for four for the Vikings.
The Vikings face Foss High School today in a Narrows League game at 3:30 p.m. in Tacoma.