Sophomore designated hitter David Balboa, hit a double to score in two of his teammates, giving the Vikings an 8-5 lead to keep control of the game and secure an 8-6 victory over the East Los Angeles College Huskies on Saturday March 16.
The Vikings were on the board early in the first inning, scoring two runs from sophomore Raul Gonzalez and sophomore Mark Stanford.
Early pitching struggles helped the Huskies to tie the game up at 2-2 in the second inning, eventually the Huskies went on to score 3 runs in the fourth to give them a 5-2 lead.
A pitching change was made by head coach Casey Crook, freshman pitcher Julio Lopez came in to replace sophomore picture Matthew Johnson.
Momentum swung the Vikings way after a forgetful 5th inning for both teams, Vikings would score two more runs to cut into the Huskies lead making it 5-4.
In the 7th inning the Vikings ran with their momentum scoring 4 more runs including two doubles to center field for sophomore Brett Wells and sophomore David Balboa, which helped the Vikings maintain an 8-5 lead.
Balboa discussed his big time hit that helped score two of his teammates in, “I knew my team needed a big play and I just got a good swing at the ball and made a play to help us take the lead.” Balboa said.
With this win over the Huskies this puts the Vikings overall record at 11-10 and conference record at 5-2.
The Vikings also faced the Huskies two days prior to their game on Saturday, head coach Casey Crook discussed the difference between those two games.
“Last game we were pretty much in control for most of it, this game we had to dig deep a bit we made a few adjustments guys made plays and we got a good result in a win.” Crooks said.
The Vikings next game is Tuesday March 19 at L.A. Harbor, but will return home on Thursday March 21 to face L.A. Harbor once again.