Defensive Struggles Cost Vikings in Home Series vs. Treasure Valley
Game 1
Game 1
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Treasure Valley | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 1 |
|
Big Bend | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 11 | 3 |
Game 2
Game 2
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Treasure Valley | 3 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 10 | 1 |
|
Big Bend | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 4 |
Coming off a series split against Yakima Valley, the Vikings returned home looking to build momentum against Treasure Valley Community College. Instead, defensive miscues and a tough start in Game 2 led to a pair of losses.
In Game 1, sophomore right-hander Chase Fleming got the start and showed flashes on the mound, but defensive errors proved costly. Fleming was chased after just 3 2/3 innings due in large part to miscues behind him.
Reliever Cole McKinnon delivered an outstanding performance in relief, tossing 4 1/3 innings of one-run baseball. He struck out six batters without issuing a walk and allowed no earned runs, giving the Vikings a chance to stay in the game. Alex Hirai came in to finish things off and kept it clean on the back end.
However, BBCC's defensive struggles resulted in four unearned runs for Treasure Valley, which ultimately proved to be the difference in a narrow 4–3 loss. Offensively, freshman Jaime Ruelas led the way with three hits, while Ryley Doig added two hits of his own in the effort.
Game 2 told a different story—and not the one the Vikings were hoping for. Treasure Valley jumped out early and never looked back, building a 10–0 lead after just four innings. The Vikings managed to push across two runs in the seventh, but three costly errors once again hurt their chances. The game ended in a 12–2 loss via the ten-run mercy rule.
The Vikings will look to regroup quickly as they travel to Treasure Valley this Saturday to finish the series and aim for a stronger showing on the road.