By Tim Clinton

SPORTS EDITOR

Highline's Bears got off to a good start in their Pacific International League semipro baseball opener Friday, roaring out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning.

But it didn't last as the North Sound Emeralds rallied in the final frames and stole away from Mel Olson Stadium at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center with a 5-4 win.

Even though they are called semipro, the Bears and the rest of the league are mostly for college players to hone their skills over the summer and they are not paid.

It also includes older players including former pros trying to make a comeback and some foreign players.

The Bears go on the road for their next three games before hosting the Eneralds again at 7:05 p.m. this coming Friday.

They visit the Northwest Honkers at 1:05 p.m. Sunday before dropping in on the Everett Merchants at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday.

They head over the Cascade Mountains to play the Wenatchee Apple Sox at 6:35 p.m. Thursday.

Also coming up is a 7:05 p.m. home game against the Northwest Reign on Saturday, June 9.