Big Bend Baseball: Splitting One-Run Thrillers with Spokane Falls CC

After a huge series sweep versus Yakima Valley, BBCC needed to continue playing quality baseball to give them an opportunity to play in the post season. The Vikes began the four game set hosting the Spokane Falls Sasquatch at Viking Field on Wednesday May 1st. 

In a tightly contested battle on the diamond, Hayden Schooler showcased his pitching prowess, leading the Big Bend Community College Vikings to a hard-fought victory over Spokane Falls Community College. The game was marked by stellar pitching performances and clutch hitting, culminating in a thrilling 2-1 win for the Vikes.

From the outset, Schooler asserted his dominance on the mound, delivering six innings of masterful pitching, allowing just one run while striking out eight opposing batters. His ability to command the strike zone and keep hitters off balance was instrumental in stifling Spokane Falls' offense and keeping the game within reach for the Vikings.

As the game progressed into a tense sixth inning deadlock, it was Ryley Doig who provided the decisive blow for BBCC. With a powerful swing of the bat, Doig launched a go-ahead solo home run, igniting the crowd and propelling the Vikings into the lead. His timely hitting proved to be the difference-maker, giving Big Bend the momentum they needed to secure the victory.

Following Schooler's stellar performance, James Macrae took over on the mound and continued to shut down Spokane Falls' offense, tossing three scoreless innings to preserve the narrow lead. His composure under pressure and ability to navigate through tense situations were crucial in securing the win for the Vikes.

In a closely contested matchup, the Big Bend Community College Vikings found themselves on the wrong side of a one-run game against Spokane Falls Community College in game two of their series. Despite a valiant effort on both sides of the ball, a critical defensive miscue proved to be costly for the Vikes, resulting in a narrow 4-3 defeat.

Taking the mound for BBCC, Garin Gurtler delivered a solid performance, tossing seven innings and allowing four runs, with only three of them earned. However, it was a pivotal defensive lapse that ultimately allowed Spokane Falls to take the lead, highlighting the importance of defensive precision in tight ball games.

Trailing 4-1 in the eighth inning, the Vikings mounted a late rally, scratching across two runs to narrow the deficit to just one. With the game hanging in the balance, BBCC entered the ninth inning down by a single run, determined to stage a comeback and salvage a victory.

Despite their best efforts, the Vikes were unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities in the bottom of the ninth, falling just short of completing the comeback. The narrow defeat served as a reminder of the fine margins that often decide the outcome of closely contested games in baseball.

Offensively, Oak Held led the charge for the Vikings, tallying two hits and driving in two crucial runs to keep his team in contention. Meanwhile, Nolan Soderstrom provided stability out of the bullpen, tossing two scoreless innings to keep Spokane Falls at bay and give BBCC a chance to mount a comeback.

While the loss may sting, the Vikings can take solace in their resilience and determination to compete until the final out. As they regroup and prepare for future matchups, BBCC will look to learn from their mistakes and build upon their strengths, knowing that every game presents an opportunity for growth and improvement.

With the series against Spokane Falls hanging in the balance, the Big Bend Community College baseball team remains focused and determined to bounce back in the subsequent games, eager to turn the tide and reclaim momentum in pursuit of their postseason aspirations. Head Coach Chase Tunstall had this to say regarding the split.

"It's always nice to win game one. A true nail biter till the end. Winning game two would have put us in a much better situation moving forward but again, defensive miscues proved costly. We are in a spot that we cannot afford shoot ourselves in the foot if playing past next weekends is in the cards."

BBCC heads to Spokane, WA this Saturday to wrap up the four game set at 1:00 and 4:00. 

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.