MOUNT BERRY, Ga. – The Berry College Vikings defeated the Marietta Pioneers in today's contest 11-8. The Vikings extended their winning streak to two and pushed their overall record to 10-7.
The Pioneers started the game at the top of the first inning, but the Vikings prevented them from getting anything going, only allowing one hit for their inning with Mason Snyder on the mound. On the other side, Berry was able to get themselves on the board with a single from Charles Pulaski setting up Riley Uhls to score. The Vikings couldn't get anything else going after that, giving up the final out on a pop-up to the shortstop, ending the inning 1-0.
Berry kept Marrietta off the board at the top second but couldn't capitalize at the bottom. At the top of the second, the Vikings got out of a tough half inning with the bases loaded and no outs. Snyder began it with a strikeout and a double play followed with the next batter as Nick Brunswick caught the fly out and launched it to Andrew Pendleton at the plate to tag out the runner.
The Pioneers found their way to a lead in the third to spark some momentum for the away team, Lang barely missed a throw home to stop the tying run but made up for it the next play as he turned a double play, showcasing his height to reach up and snag a high ball to throw it over to second.
Marietta kept things going at the top of the fourth, adding another three runs to their total before ending the inning on a pop-up to second base. In the bottom of the fourth, Berry was finally able to answer Marietta's blitz, putting together a run to get Charles Pulaski around home to chip into the deficit after two fielding errors.
The defense for the Vikings was key in the sixth, leaving the Pioneers with stats similar to the last inning. This time, Berry put together a response. With only one out, the Vikings managed to load the bases. Jacob Bridges subbed in to pinch hit and his ground out allowed Charles Pulaski to cross home, making the score 3-5. Another pinch hitter, Austin Jetmore turned the tide for the Vikings, his two run single bringing the tying run across the plate.
At the top of the seventh, the Pioneers regained their advantage, putting together three runs to make the score 8-5 before it was over. The Vikings once again fought back to tie things up and with one out and two on base, Berry was primed to take over. Aiden Cloud now in the game at second base took to the plate for a sacrifice fly allowing Caleb Spikes to round home, bringing their advantage back up to one. Alex Knapp came alive, hitting a double to the right center, scoring Chase Edmonds and Garrett Lang to come out on top and end the inning back in favor of the Vikings at 11-8.
Now down three runs at the top of the eight, the Pioneers had to pave their way for three runs to at least tie things up, but the Vikings defense was unforgiving, preventing them from getting anyone onto the bases. Loading the bases with two outs, the Vikings were looking to pad their lead going into the ninth inning, but the Pioneers clutched up to make things interesting, keeping the score 8-11 entering the ninth.
The top of the ninth was do or die for the Pioneers. Unfortunately for them, the only thing the Pioneers discovered was defeat, the Berry College defense handing them three quick outs by Nicholas Angelakos for the save.
Tyler Cassidy earned the win on the mound, the first of this season with his effective stance in the seventh.
The Berry College Vikings meet the Oglethorpe University Petrels at home Saturday, March 15th at 1:00p.m.
