Jimmy Lafakis/MDN The Souris Valley Sabre Dogs pose for a photo after their final regular-season game on Sunday night. The Sabre Dogs defeated the Pierre Trappers 9-3 at Corbett Field.

When heading into the playoffs, it’s important to peak at the right time. The Souris Valley Sabre Dogs defeated the Pierre Trappers 9-3 on Sunday, sweeping their division rival in a four-game series.

The red-hot Sabre Dogs did not disappoint the Corbett Field faithful in the regular season’s final contest. A seven-run sixth inning keyed the lopsided victory.

“There were some intense moments in that game,” head coach Corey Thompson said. “Our guys stayed cool and rose to the occasion.”

Neither team scored in the first inning, but the Trappers made their mark in the second. Bill Moreland smashed a solo shot off Souris Valley starting pitcher Marcelo Terrazas.

The Sabre Dogs were held without a hit through three innings. They threatened with baserunners, but did not bring anyone around to score.

The Trappers struck again in the fifth inning, as Zane Phelps’ RBI single brought home Joseph Brazil. Pierre starter Jerson Morales tossed another scoreless inning, but his luck quickly turned in the sixth.

Sam Powers gave the home crowd something to celebrate on Fan Appreciation Day. Powers ripped a double down the left-field line in the sixth, and Crews Taylor hustled home.

After Souris Valley loaded the bases, Justin Henle walked on a full count. Philip Childs worked a full count of his own after facing an 0-2 hole.

The runners took off on contact, and Childs rifled a ball to Moreland at third base. Phelps dropped his throw to first, and the Sabre Dogs broke the tie.

The score didn’t remain at 4-2 for long. Jase Edwards’ looping fly ball dropped in front of Brazil in left field, and Edwards legged out a two-run triple. Trappers shortstop Michael Herrera flubbed Taylor’s bouncing ball, shooting the score up to 7-2.

After no runs in the seventh, the Trappers scratched one across in the eighth. Crews Taylor answered with a tape-measure shot, pushing the score to 9-3. The tally held until the final out.

Souris Valley finished the campaign 38-26, closing the season on a six-game winning streak.

“The fans come out and they support,” Thompson said. “It’s one of the best fanbases in summer ball in the country.”

The Sabre Dogs will face the Badlands Big Sticks in Dickinson on Wednesday night. The one-game divisional playoff series will begin at 6:35 p.m.

“We didn’t tax anybody on the mound,” Thompson said. “Our arms should be ready. We’ll have two days off and head to Badlands. Rematch from last year.”

Jimmy Lafakis covers Minot High School sports and Class B high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @JJLII30.