The Southland Vikings (9-11) had a strong offensive game but seven errors, including three in the ninth inning, gave the Will County CrackerJacks (14-8) a late chance to tie it.
The Vikings' offense put on a show as they had 18 hits with eight players recording a base hit while six recorded an RBI. Leading the way was Shane Brown who went 4 for 5 with three runs scored and two RBIs thanks to a 2-run home run. James Dawson also went 4 for 5 along with two runs and one RBI. Joey Migliaccio only had one hit but it was a 2-run home run while Micah Rooke finished going 2 for 5 with three RBIs.
Aaron Hauge looked sharp on the mound as he held the CrackerJacks hitless over two innings, allowing zero earned runs while striking out three. He was done after the second inning, with a 1-0 lead, thanks to rain delay that lasted almost two hours.
Once the stormy weather subsided, the Vikings scored three in the top of third inning and Charlie Naso took over the mound in the bottom half of the inning. He went 4.1 innings, giving up four earned runs while striking out three and improving his record to 2-0.
The Vikings maintained a comfortable lead for most of the game and were up 11-4 going into the bottom of the ninth. However, some defensive miscues allowed the CrackerJacks to come back, scoring five runs and ending the game with the go-ahead run at the plate.
On Saturday, the Vikings will head to Waubonsee Community College to take on the Chicago Zephyrs. They are 3-0 against them this year and defeated the Zephyrs 15-0 on Tuesday.
