Berry's Austin Neely recorded a team high three hits and Thomas Johnson led the Vikings with three runs batted in, but Covenant defeated Berry 9-7 Tuesday at Berry's William R. Bowdoin Field.

The Vikings held a 6-2 lead after six innings, but Covenant scored four runs in the seventh and three more in the eighth to turn the four run deficit into a three run lead. 

Berry scored a run in the bottom of the eighth, but it was too little, too late.

Nick Stidham and Brandyn Jackson collected two hits each for Berry. Austin Neely, Cason Dremann, Zach Farmer and Preston Neely also drove in a run apiece for the Vikings.

Covenant's offense was led by Chris Rollins, who was 3-for-4 with three runs scored, and Will Cleland and Jonathan Carter, who each drove in a pair of runs.

Demarius Johnson, the last of four pitchers used by the Scots, earned the win.  He allowed one run on two hits and walk, while striking out three batters in three innings of work.

Levi Austin took the loss for Berry after allowing five runs on three hits in one-and-a-third innings.  Austin struck out two batters and walked one.

He came on in relief of Vikings starter Carter Reese, who allowed four runs (three earned) in six innings.  Reese allowed six hits and fanned four batters without allowing a walk.

Berry is scheduled to return to action March 2 against Denison at 7 p.m.

- BerryVikings.com -