By: Kasey Salamie
Southland Vikings Contributor
Flossmoor— Southland Viking’s starter Aaron Hauge showed why he is the ace of the staff on Friday night. Hauge (3-2) threw a complete game, striking out eleven Zephyr hitters, giving up only one run, and walking only one batter. Hauge was dominant in the 4-1 win for the Vikings.
“I felt really strong tonight,” said Hauge. “I was challenging them all night. I did not want to walk anyone; I wanted to make them hit their way on. This was a good win for us tonight, a real team effort. My defense was a huge reason for my success. It also helped that we scored early.”
The Zephyr’s lone run came in the first inning. The Vikings opened up their scoring in the second inning when Dave Nelson ripped a three-run double in the right-centerfield gap. Nelson’s hit would be turn out to be the game winning hit. Nelson ended the night with two hits in three at bats.
Viking’s manager Chris Cunningham was pleased with the effort from his team on Friday night.
“The guys played great tonight. Aaron Hauge was really mixing it up well. His fastball was extremely lively. It was great for him to pitch the whole game tonight and give our bullpen a night off,” said Cunningham.
The Vikings are now 11-15 and 7.5 games behind the first place Rockford Foresters. The Vikings will play again Saturday against the Zephyrs.