A Season of Growth Comes to a Close
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Treasure Valley | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 16 | 1 |
|
Big Bend | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 11 | 3 |
BBCC hosted the Treasure Valley CC Chukars in their final two games set of conference play on Saturday May 11th with the season on the line.
In a must-win scenario as they approached the final two games of the regular season, the Big Bend Community College baseball team knew that their fate hung in the balance. Not only did they need to take care of business on their end, but they also required some assistance from elsewhere in the league. Their hopes rested on a combination of victories for themselves and defeats for their rivals, and they rose to the challenge with determination and skill.
The opening game of the crucial two-game set saw BBCC come out swinging, both on the mound and at the plate. Brendan McKinley, a consistent force throughout the season, took the mound and delivered another stellar performance. Cruising through six scoreless innings while tallying four strikeouts, McKinley set the tone for the Vikes and provided a solid foundation for their success.
Offensively, it was Ryley Doig who fueled the charge for BBCC. The Canadian sensation went 3-4 at the plate, delivering three crucial RBIs to power the Vikings' offense. Joining him in the offensive onslaught was fellow Canadian Kyle Belich, who added two doubles of his own to the mix.
With McKinley dealing on the mound and the offense firing on all cylinders, Big Bend Community College cruised to a commanding 10-0 victory, invoking the mercy rule after just seven innings of play. The emphatic win not only bolstered the Vikes' confidence but also kept their playoff hopes alive as they awaited the results from elsewhere in the league.
As the final game of the regular season unfolded, the Big Bend Community College Vikings faced a bittersweet moment. Despite their best efforts and a valiant display of resilience, their playoff hopes were dashed after Wenatchee Valley defeated Walla Walla to secure the final playoff spot. Nevertheless, the Vikings approached their last game with determination and a desire to honor their departing sophomores, who had embodied the spirit of Big Bend Baseball throughout their tenure.
In a poignant tribute to their departing players, BBCC rolled out a lineup dominated by sophomores, showcasing their appreciation for those who had embraced the ethos of Viking baseball. As they took the field for the final time in a Viking uniform, these players left everything on the field, embodying the grit, determination, and camaraderie that define the Big Bend baseball program.
The game itself proved to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams' offenses coming to life in a slugfest that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Despite their best efforts, the Vikings ultimately fell short, as Treasure Valley emerged victorious with a 13-8 win.
Leading the charge for BBCC was sophomore Gunnar Graves, who delivered a standout performance at the plate with three hits to his name. Meanwhile, Kyle Belich continued his offensive prowess, adding another two hits to his impressive tally on the day.
As the final out was recorded and the season drew to a close, the Vikings found themselves reflecting on the journey they had undertaken together. Despite the disappointment of falling short of their postseason aspirations, they could take pride in the perseverance and dedication they had displayed throughout the season.
With their 28-game conference schedule now behind them, the Big Bend Community College baseball team concluded their season with a 13-15 record in conference play and a 21-25 record overall. While the outcome may not have been what they had hoped for, the Vikings remained united in their commitment to excellence and looked ahead with optimism and determination to the opportunities that lay ahead.
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.