Split Emotions - Victorious in Game One, Narrowly Misses in Gut-Wrenching Game Two

After a split at home, BBCC traveled to Spokane, WA to finish off the four game set on Saturday May 4th. 

In a pivotal matchup with playoff implications on the line, the Big Bend Community College Vikings came out swinging in the first game of their four-game series, determined to secure a much-needed victory to bolster their postseason aspirations. Led by a stellar performance from pitcher Brendan McKinley and key contributions from the offense, the Vikes emerged victorious with a 7-3 win over their opponents.

McKinley, taking the mound for BBCC, continued his impressive form, showcasing his dominance on the hill by limiting the opposing offense to just one unearned run over five solid innings of work. His ability to command the strike zone and keep hitters off balance set the tone for the game, providing the Vikes with a solid foundation to build upon.

Offensively, it was Oak Held and JT Penrod who led the charge for the Vikings. Held delivered a clutch performance at the plate, going 1-2 with two crucial RBIs to help propel the BBCC offense. Meanwhile, Penrod contributed two hits of his own, providing valuable support to the team's offensive efforts.

With McKinley exiting the game with a comfortable 6-1 lead, the Vikes turned to James Macrae and Aaron Mills to finish the job on the pitching end. Both pitchers rose to the occasion, shutting down the opposition and preserving the lead to secure the victory for BBCC.

The win was a much-needed boost for the Vikings as they continue their quest for a playoff berth. With every game carrying heightened importance, the Vikes showcased their resilience and determination, rising to the occasion when it mattered most.

In a rollercoaster of emotions and intense competition, the Big Bend Community College Vikings experienced a heartbreaking defeat in game two of their series against Spokane Falls. Despite a valiant effort and standout performances from several players, the Vikes ultimately fell short in a closely contested matchup that saw tempers flare and emotions run high.

Turning to freshman pitcher Dylan Schaefer to start game two, BBCC faced an early deficit as defensive miscues allowed Spokane Falls to jump out to a 3-0 lead after three innings of play. Undeterred, the Vikes fought back, rallying to tie the game with a three-run surge in the fourth inning, showcasing their resilience and determination.

The momentum continued to shift in favor of BBCC as Ryley Doig delivered a clutch two-run home run in the seventh inning, propelling the Vikes into a 5-3 lead. However, the home run also sparked tensions between the two teams, leading to a series of ejections on both sides as emotions boiled over on the field.

With the game hanging in the balance, BBCC turned to reliever Aaron Mills to preserve the lead and secure the win. However, fatigue began to take its toll on Mills, as he struggled with his command on the mound. A bases-loaded single combined with a defensive miscue while Mills was pitching resulted in a disastrous five-run inning for Spokane Falls, swinging the momentum in their favor.

Despite a late surge by BBCC, who managed to score two runs in the top of the ninth inning, the Vikes ultimately fell short as Spokane Falls emerged victorious with an 8-7 win. Despite the tough loss, Ryley Doig stood out at the plate, going 3-5, while Gunnar Graves and Oak Held also made significant contributions with two hits each.

As they regroup and refocus for the remaining games of the series, the Big Bend Community College baseball team will look to learn from their mistakes and come back stronger. With their postseason aspirations still within reach, the Vikes remain determined to bounce back and finish the series on a high note, showcasing their resilience and competitive spirit until the final out is recorded.Head Coach Chase Tunstall had this to say regarding the split.

"These games are fun, this is why we play. We play to have games come down to the final out. We love the fact that we control our own destiny, it makes this final series that much more important and that much more exciting."

BBCC travels to Ontario, OR for their final series of the regular season playing must win baseball. 

As always, keep up with the Vikings on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as through the NWACSports Network's livestream video platform, where available.