The Viking boys pulled together to crush Darrington in a May 4 double-header, ending the second game early under the ten-run mercy rule.

“They came together the last few games and were communicating as a team,” said coach Christian Gardiner. “They really played well to win those games.”

The first game was close, at 7-6. Tyler Nigretto led off on the mound, and Randall Boetger came in for the 4th inning to hold the Loggers scoreless for the rest of the game.

Robbie Padbury had a triple. Gardiner said the score was 6-6 going into 7th inning before a Viking run won the game.

“In the second game we just jumped right on them,” said Gardiner. “We were hitting the ball really well, playing really good defense, playing well overall.”

In the first inning the Vikes had five hits as the entire batting order stepped up and Daniel Janssen hit a 2 RBI double. By the end of the second inning, Janssen had hit a 2 RBI triple and the Vikes had racheted up ten runs. They scored again in the 3rd, and by the end of the 5th the Loggers were soundly defeated, 12-1. Gardiner said Seabern Geiger and Willie Eagan split the game on the mound, both pitching well.

At the team’s district championship game May 6, rival Quilcene “had a pitcher who kind of dominated us,” said Gardiner. “They got all their runs off only a few hits.” Despite the loss (11-1), Gardiner said he’s pleased with the boys’ progress and increase in intensity during such a brief season.