The Southland Vikings (20-23) finished the regular season on a high note with a win over the Northwest Indiana Oilmen (28-16), 5-3.
After a scoreless first inning, the Vikings scored in four straight innings starting in the bottom of the second. With the bases loaded, Vince Parisi grounded into a double play, which allowed Dan Potempa to score from third. In the following inning, Chris Stevens knocked in an Elliott Armstrong with an RBI single. Parisi had an RBI single in the fourth to make it 3-0 Vikings and in the fifth inning, James Dawson had a sacrifice fly that extended Southlands lead to 4-0.
The Oilmen would score two in the top of the sixth but Micah Rooke responded in the seventh inning with a solo home run. Jack Cinoman of the Oilmen had a solo home run of his own in the ninth but the Vikings held on for a 5-3 win.
Leading the way offensively for Southland was Armstrong who went 3 for 4 with two runs scored. Stevens also played well, going 2 for 4 with one RBI.
The Vikings pitching was strong as well with four pitchers combining to give up only one earned run on nine hits while striking out six. Harry Doherty (2-1) started the game but only lasted four innings. Noah Anderson (1-2) came in for the fifth inning and picked up the win while Tait Rauen (1-3) received the loss for the Oilmen. Jim Tucker (0-4) earned his second save of the season.
Southland ends the regular season with a two game-winning streak and will begin their playoff run Tuesday night at Founders Field when they start a three-game series with the DeKalb County Liners (29-15). The season series between the two teams was split at three games apiece.