In a thrilling showdown in the SoCal Regionals Playoffs, the No. 8 Vikings took down the No. 17 Southwestern College Jaguars, with a score of 5-3 on Friday afternoon.

 

Dylan Proost (8-2) stood tall on the mound, containing the Jaguars' offense to a mere three runs across the first six innings. Max Sasaki (Sv. 2) swooped in for the save, dominating the final inning and conceding only one hit.

 

The Vikings surged ahead early, with shortstop Olin Snakenborg unleashing an RBI single to bring Xander McLaurin charging home for the first run. Not to be outdone, Ryan Geck smashed a powerful RBI double, propelling Snakenborg and Caleb Brandon across the plate, giving the Vikings a commanding 3-0 lead.

 

But the Jaguars clawed back with two runs in the top of the second inning. Yet, McLaurin sunk the hopes of the Jaguars' resurgence, driving in Davis Grawey with an RBI groundout.

 

Despite the Jaguars' efforts, the Vikings maintained their grip on the lead. Although the Jaguars managed to add one more run in the top of the fourth, the Vikings retaliated. Brandon hit an RBI single to center field in the bottom of the sixth, bringing Grawey home and solidifying the Vikings' first playoff 5-3 victory.

 

The Vikings will return to the diamond on Saturday, May 4 at 11 a.m. for the second game of the SoCal Regional Playoffs.