Vikings split as injuries claim two starters

MOSES LAKE - A late rally fell short Wednesday for the Big Bend Vikings baseball team that would have to settle for a split with visiting Wenatchee Valley College in Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) baseball play.

Big Bend (15-19, 6-12) won game 10-3 but fell 9-6 in the nightcap to split with their rivals.

In game one, the Vikings scored eight runs in the game's first four innings and Geoff Davis pitched well for the win after replacing an injured Danny Greenway in the third inning.

"He threw seven strong innings for the win and our defense was stellar with no errors," Big Bend head coach Don Lindgren said. "We clutched up with two out hits and scored six of our runs in that situation."

Big Bend knocked out 14 hits in the game but on a down note may have lost outfielder Matt Herbert to an ankle injury.

Ricco Moreno had four hits, while Bryce Todd, Bryan Karwacki and Brett Gray each had two apiece.

The nightcap saw the Big Bend bats lose some of their zing as they were held in check with six hits, but did find a way to rally late. Trailing Wenatchee Valley (6-19, 5-13) 9-2 going into the bottom of the ninth inning, Big Bend scored four runs to make things interesting before the drama finally ended.

"Game two was completely the opposite as we made too many errors physically and mentally and did not get the clutch hits we got in game one," Lindgren said.

Six different Vikings got one hit each and the team lost another player, AJ McNees (outfielder/closer) to an injured knee.

"Both Matt and AJ are key players for us and were hurt on hustle plays in the outfield," Lindgren said.

Tomorrow Big Bend host Blue Mountain CC for a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.