The Southland Vikings used a five run fifth inning and seven strong innings from starting pitcher Nolan Vlcek on Friday to end their losing streak at three games with a 10-3 win over the Elkhart County Miracle.

The game was scoreless through the first three innings before each team scored a run in the fourth. Tied at one going into the fifth, the Vikings broke through against reigning Northern League Pitcher of the Week Ethan Lengfelder.

Jack Fitzharris was hit by a pitch with one away and Hobbs Dunne followed with his second double of the day to put runners at second and third. The Vikings then opted to go to the bench with Jeremy Freeman pinch hitting for his first at bat with the team and he broke the tie with a two-run triple.

The Vikings continued to keep the line moving as eight straight hitters reached safely before the second out was recorded and the Vikings led 6-1 after five and never looked back.

Dunne, who recorded four hits in the game, talked about the importance of keeping the team above .500 on the season. “It’s very important. Falling below .500 sometimes you just keep sliding lower and lower. Staying above .500 just gives everyone that winning mentality to stay above.”

The big fifth inning was all the support Vlcek (2-0) needed to earn his second win in as many starts. He went seven innings, allowing one run on four hits while striking out six.

“It feels great,” Vlcek said about getting the Vikings back in the win column. “To get the boys back on top. We just keep grinding and we have a big weekend coming up.”

The Vikings (5-4) head to Oil City Stadium on Saturday to take on the Northwest Indiana Oilmen (5-3) for the first time this season.

“The team is excited to play under the lights,” Vikings skipper Sullivan Stickann said about taking on the Oilmen. “First Saturday of the season at Oil City Stadium. Hopefully it will be a big crowd. I know we’re going to bring our A game.”

Jack Kienzle is expected to start for the Vikings against the Oilmen with first pitch scheduled for 7:10pm.