The Vikings fought hard in game two of regionals against Glendale College on Saturday with a walk off home run hit by Eshua Desai forcing a game three later that same day, but couldn’t get that win to advance them to the next round.
Glendale College did not wait to strike by putting up five runs in the first inning and followed that with adding three more in the top of the second in game two making the score 9-0 very early on in the game.
The Vikings responded in the bottom of the third by adding three runs making the score 9-3 in the bottom of the third inning.
Shortstop Eshua Desai throws a ball to first base to get the opposing runner out at first. (Brianna Apodaca)
In the innings to come the Vikings got their bats to work, from being down 9-0 they added more runs on the board by RBI’s and a walk off home run to get the Vikings the win, after ending the regular season with a nine game losing streak.
“We tend to wait until we have to really score to put up some numbers and put some runs in,” starting pitcher Myles Dismute said.
Coming off a big win from game two, the Vikings had some trouble finding momentum to put more runs on the board early in game three.
Pinch hitter Myles Fendrick celebrates with his teammate after winning game two. (Brianna Apodaca)
Glendale put up seven runs in total in the four innings of game three leaving the Vikings scoreless until the top of the fifth.
The Vikings were able to get five runs in the top of the fifth and top of the seventh but couldn’t score more runs to get the win and advance to the second round.
Center fielder Danny Rodriguez at bat against opposing team pitcher on Saturday. (Brianna Apodaca)
Head coach Casey Crook coached the team for the last 30 plus years and this was his last game coaching for the program.
“It’s time for me to step down and get some new blood and some new energy into the program,” Crook said.
During the off season, players’ plans are to continue working hard both mentally and physically.
“Mentally I’m trying to be more of a leader and bring the team together,” catcher Alex Yin said.
The Vikings ended game three with a final score of 12-5 and their season came to an end.
The Vikings in a team pre-game huddle before game two of the playoffs against Glendale College. (Brianna Apodaca)
Second basemen Cross Stephens slides into home in game three putting the Vikings on the board Saturday. (Brianna Apodaca)
The Vikings baseball team celebrates after walk off home run by Eshua Desai in game two on Saturday. (Brianna Apodaca)