The Vikings were visited by the Panthers today at Dowling Park which would mark their second game between the two. In their last appearance against the Panthers, the Vikings lost 6-7 due to a walk-off by the Panthers against Viking's pitcher Kaden Kumzi. Coach Jake Hunt decided it was time for them to get that win back and tally a much needed win.
In this must win 7-inning game decided by the coaches, it was a hot and blistering day at Dowling Park. The Vikings put Kumzi on the mound for them today with full confidence behind him. Will Gimbel was nodded the start for the Panthers today.
The Panthers got off to a hot start in the first after some bad errors made by the Vikings which ended the first inning with Panthers up 4-0. After what was a tough inning Kumzi finally got into the grove. When asked after the game Coach Hunt had this to say about Kaden's appearance. "Despite some early walks and errors made in the game Kaden was on after." He sure was as he pitched 4 innings giving up 1 hit 2 walks 4 runs (None of which are earned) and 8 K's.
It was in the bottom of the 5th in this early ending game where the Vikings turned the tables and took the lead after drawing some walks off of Gimble and a 3 RBI double by Owen Bendis to make it 6-4 ballgame entering the 6th. Before that in the 5th, Coach Hunt made a change to put in Trey Pitcock to throw the rest of the game and give Kumzi some much needed rest after a much needed shove. Pitcock would throw the rest of the game for the Vikings as he pitched 3 innings, 1 walk, and struck out 2.
Coach Hunt put Kumzi out there with all the trust and Kumzi did not disappoint. Despite what was a tough first inning for the Vikings giving up 4 runs on all walks and errors. At the end of the game Coach Hunt and his players recognized Kumzi and Pitcock for their work and gave a much needed round of applause to the two pitchers.
In what was a great game on the bats and mound for the Vikings they will have another home game Wednesday at 5:00 PM against the Griffith Generlas as the series between the 2 teams is set at 1-1.
