Vikings blowout Chaffey in 21-6 victory

Left fielder Erick Espinoza had five hits and drove in three runs as the Vikings dismantled the visiting Chaffey Panthers 21-6 on Thursday.

The Vikings have gone on a tear, winning five games in a row, putting up a combined 73 runs, and improving their overall record to 15-18.

Chaffey took the lead in the second inning with a solo homerun from center fielder David Trujillo.

But the Vikings responded with three runs in the same inning, taking advantage of Chaffey’s defense.

Espinoza would be hit by a pitch his first plate appearance, stole second base on a throwing error by Chaffeys starting pitcher Davis Sharp.

Catcher Dylan Mayorga brought home Espinoza with a base hit single to right field after shortstop Ben Howard walked and stole second base. 

The final run of the inning came on a double steal with center fielder Myles Fendrick stealing second base and second baseman Cross Stephens stealing home.

_{Vikings’ left-handed pitcher Sabin Tomlinson releases a pitch against Chaffey College during their game on Thursday, Apr. 9, 2026.The Vikings won the game 21-6 which makes the Vikings record 15-18. (Alexandra Rios)}

The Vikings would pile on the runs, scoring another run in the third inning, four runs in the fourth, five in the sixth, three in the seventh, and five in the eighth.

Espinoza was the star of the offense, going 5-5 with 3 RBIs, four runs scored, and a stolen base.

“You know, I’ve been struggling a little bit in the past, so it feels good to get back swinging the bat again, and let’s hope it stays like that,” Espinoza said.

Chaffey would score two runs in the eighth inning and three runs in the ninth, but the game was far beyond the reach of a comeback.

On the defensive end, starting pitcher Dylan Proost went five innings with one run and took home the win.

“I think just keeping my composure. Just competing with what I had. Just not giving up, kept on getting strikes,” Proost said.

Head coach Philip Visico had high praise for his team on their winning streak. 

“Really good dugout energy. Everyone’s playing good complimentary baseball, team baseball and I really think that’s really starting to catch fire and that’s what we really need down the stretch,” Visico said.

The Vikings ended its season with a winning 13-11 conference record but an 18-21 overall record.