Vikings Split Series Against #4 Ranked Spokane Falls

After a strong opening series in which they took three of four from the 10th-ranked team in the NWAC, the Big Bend Community College Vikings had to showcase their adaptability. Originally set to travel to Pendleton, OR, to face Blue Mountain Community College, the Vikes instead made their way to Spokane, WA, to take on the #4 ranked Sasquatch in a doubleheader on Tuesday, February 25th.

Garin Gurtler took the mound on a pitch limit as BBCC prepared for its home opener later in the week. Continuing his stellar form from the series against Umpqua, Gurtler tossed three efficient innings, throwing 40 pitches while allowing one unearned run on two hits and striking out two. Dylan Schaefer followed with two innings of work, giving up one run and also striking out two.

A crucial double by sophomore first baseman JT Penrod in the fifth inning gave the Vikings the lead. Schaefer started the sixth inning but, after allowing back-to-back hits, freshman Garrison Garton entered in relief and worked out of a bases-loaded jam, keeping BBCC ahead 3-2 heading into the final inning. Sophomore closer Nolan Soderstrom sealed the win, overcoming a leadoff walk by retiring the next three batters and securing his second save of the season.

Despite the victory, the team suffered a significant loss as first-team All-Conference outfielder Ryley Doig exited the game with what was later confirmed as a season-ending Achilles injury.

Hoping to rally in game two, the Vikings got off to a slow start with sophomore Brendan McKinley on the mound. Struggling with command, McKinley lasted just one inning, allowing four runs. Owen Relkoff entered in relief and performed well, keeping the Vikes in the game by surrendering only one run over two innings while striking out two. Jesse Brown and Talan Wright combined for three scoreless innings, giving the offense a chance to respond.

However, BBCC's bats struggled to find their rhythm, managing just one hit in the contest. The lack of offensive production led to a 5-2 defeat, resulting in a series split against Spokane Falls.

Head Coach Chase Tunstall praised his team's resilience, stating, "I'm proud of the resiliency that this group has shown early in the season. We have yet to practice outside, and our guys continue to prove that they can show up and compete against some of the top teams in the NWAC. We have overcome a lot up to this point, and with us losing one of our top players and team captains, we are facing yet another challenging test. We have a lot of faith in our guys that they will rise to the occasion and continue to bring their best on a day-to-day basis."

Looking ahead, BBCC will host a four-game series against Centralia Community College, with doubleheaders scheduled for Saturday, March 1st, and Sunday, March 2nd.