Vikings end season with split

Seven sophomores play last home game

MOSES LAKE — With a playoff berth in hand, Saturday's season-ending doubleheader with Blue Mountain Community College was a time to make final post-season preparations and to honor a group of sophomores that would take the field at Big Bend for the final time in their college careers.

After the Vikings won the first game of the doubleheader 5-3, Big Bend coach Don Lindgren took a moment before the start of the second game to thank his players and their families, as well as the fans and volunteers that helped contribute to the team's successful season.

While there are still games to play for sophomores Dane Riner, Adam Capaul, Brian Parker, Cody Spradlin, Bubba Simplot, Christian Romple and Pat Capone, Lindgren will clearly miss his veteran players once the season is over.

"They're just a wonderful group of people," Lindgren said of his sophomores. "They've really showed them (the freshmen) what to expect of the league."

"They've been real good leaders," the Viking coach added.

Big Bend struggled from the mound in the second game, giving up eight hits, eight walks and a hit batsman in a 6-3 loss. The Vikings used five pitchers in the game, most of which had seen limited action earlier in the year.

"We were setting up for the playoffs," said Lindgren of the pitching in the second game. "We went with some guys that haven't thrown as much."

The Vikings fell behind 6-0 before their offense warmed up in the sixth inning. With runners at first and second and two out, Blue Mountain's right fielder dropped Brian Dagon's towering fly ball for an error. Spradlin, running on contact from second base, scored easily on the play.

Jeremy Patterson followed with an RBI-single to right that brought Sean Heary in from third base.

Patterson, who saw increased playing time as Big Bend was resting their starting shortstop, made the most of his opportunity. The Viking freshman finished the game 3-for-3 and was hit by a pitch in his other plate appearance. Patterson also made several spectacular plays in the field, including a great diving catch on a high line drive to get the first out in the top of the eighth inning.

"This was his chance," said Lindgren of Patterson. "He had a great day for us."

The Vikings would get another run back in the seventh inning to make it 6-3. Jameson Lange led off by reaching first base on a throwing error. Lange battled with the Blue Mountain pitcher, fouling off pitch after pitch, before putting the ball into play that allowed him to get on base.

From there, Lange took second base after a wild pick-off throw went past the first baseman. Sacrifices by Blake Wickstrom and Kyle Wright moved Lange from second to home.

The scoring would end there as the Viking rally came up short.

Big Bend may not have needed to win both games Saturday, but having done so could have put the Vikings in a better position for this weekend's NWAACC East Division playoffs. A sweep could have earned Big Bend the second seed in the East Division tournament. With the split the Vikings finish in a three-way tie for second place, and will likely be the third or fourth seed in the playoffs after tiebreaker criteria is factored in.

"We were looking for a sweep," said Lindgren. "We're disappointed we didn't get it."

The Vikings travel to Columbia Basin College in Pasco for the East Division tournament this Friday and Saturday.