Conference Play Has Arrived

Currently riding a 5 game winning streak, the Vikes hoped to wrap up their pre-season on a high note as they traveled to western Washington for a two game set against Pierce CC on Friday, followed by two versus Tacoma CC on Saturday. 

Day one was a challenge for the Vikes as they battled the elements with heavy rain throughout most of the day. Hayden Schooler was handed the ball in game one for a final touch up prior to opening up conference play on Wednesday versus Columbia Basin College. Schooler could not seem to overcome the elements as he only managed to record one out while struggling with his command and giving up 4 runs with 3 of the 4 coming via the walk. With the Vikes in an early hole, James Macrae took over on the bump and did what he has done since stepping foot on campus. Macrae tossed 4 2/3 innings of shut out baseball before handing it off to freshman right hander Nolan Soderstrom who followed suit throwing 3 shutout innings of his own. With the bullpen holding the Raiders to four runs, it was up to the offense. The Vikes chipped away with Roman Basurto and JT Penrod each collecting three hits, but unfortunately the damage was done early as BBCC dropped game one by a score of 4-3.

Game two was a chance for the Vikes to come away with a split on the day and this task fell on the shoulders of freshman Garin Gurtler. After a tough start to game one, Gurtler responded by tossing 3 innings of shutout baseball while punching out 4 before handing it off to Jesse Brown. Brown threw a scoreless fourth but gave up two runs in the fifth as the walks came back to bite the Vikes. The BBCC offense responded by scoring four runs in the top half of the 6th inning and three more in the top of the 8th. While the offense worked, Dylan Schaefer cruised through 3 scoreless innings before Viking closer Bryce Laforest came on to slam the door. The 9th inning was a test for the Vikes as the rain continued to pour but Laforest battled and managed to secure the win with a final score of 7-4.

The Vikes headed to Tacoma Community College the following day to wrap up their pre-season in hopes to build some momentum to begin conference play. Another rocky start for sophomore pitcher Brett Nemechek had the Vikes calling to the bullpen early. Nemechek only managed to record 1 out while surrenduring 5 runs before Ashton Meyer took over. Meyer threw 3 2/3 innings out of the bullpen for his longest collegiate outing only surrenduring 2 earned runs. Meyer's effort was tainted by poor defensive play as he handed the ball off to Jake Garrett who also fell victim to defensive miscues resulting in a 16-6 mercy rule after 7 innings. 

After a disastrous game one the Vikes leaned on Brendan McKinley to right the ship. McKinley was sharp early tossing 4 scoreless innings before the TCC offense scratched across 4 runs in the 5th, and 1 in the 6th. With the final game being shortened to 7 innings, the Viking offense was unable to get going quick enough as they were only able to record 1 hit in a 5-1 loss. 

BBCC hosts the Columbia Basin College Hawks on Wednesday March 27th for a double header at 1:00 and 4:00 at Viking Field in Moses Lake, WA.

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