Hammond, Ind. – June 28, 2023 – The Southland Vikings worked their way back from an early hole, but came up short in the end, falling to the Generals 9-7 at Dowling Park on Wednesday.  

The Generals scored four runs in the top of the first inning with the big blast coming on a three-run homer by Aaron Orzech.  

The Vikings would get one run back in the second inning, but a bases clearing triple by Diego Lopez with two outs in the fifth inning gave the Generals a 7-1 lead.  

The Vikings, as they often have this season, proved that they are never out of a game by scoring five runs in the bottom of the fifth, capped by a grand slam by Lucas Pajeau to draw within a run.  

The Vikings then tied the game at 7-7 in the sixth inning when Michael Carrano delivered a two out RBI single to score Bryce Nevils.  

The score remained tied going into the eighth inning, when the Generals regained the lead with back-to-back one out hits including an RBI triple from Nic Altobelli. Altobelli later scored on an RBI single from Orzech and the Generals had a 9-7 lead.  

The Vikings threatened again in the ninth inning, putting runners at first and second with two outs, but they were unable to find another clutch hit.  

“When we execute, we usually win,” manager Sullivan Stickann said after the game. “Our pitchers didn’t quite have their best stuff today, but we were still able to make it interesting. I really like the way we swung the bat and played good defense. I just always know that this team is never out of it.”

The Vikings (13-12) next head to Oil City Stadium on Thursday to take on the Northwest Indiana Oilmen. Jack Otis is expected to start as he makes his Vikings debut. First pitch is scheduled at 7:10pm.