By: Kasey Salamie

Southland Vikings Contributor

 

Joliet—The Southland Vikings (10-15) were in need of a win Thursday evening against the Will County CrackerJacks (15-10). A win is what they received behind some strong pitching and clutch hitting.

 

The scoring began in the top of the first inning for the Vikings when George Patteson hit a RBI single that plated Kevin Kaczmarski. Patteson ended the game with two hits in five at bats including a rocket double down the third base line.

 

The Vikings would also put a run across in the second from a Sean Dwyer RBI single. Dontrell Rush had a RBI single in the third to put the Vikings up 3-0.

 

The CrackerJacks would proceed to score twice in the bottom of the third. In the fifth inning Connor Szczerba came up with a clutch hit to tie the game up 3-3.

 

The game winning hit came from Vikings third basemen Ian O’Connor in the seventh. O’Connor’s RBI single put the Vikings up 4-3.

 

“Whenever you play the CrackerJacks you know you have to play well to beat them,” said O’Connor. “That hit felt really good. I was looking for something to drive and got a pitch I could handle.” O’Connor ended the game with two hits, a RBI, and a stolen base.

 

The Vikings pitching was great in this ball game. Kyle Cahill started the game and pitched five innings, giving up two earned runs, and striking out two. Cahill put the Vikings in the position to win the game.

 

Jamelle Blue entered the game after Cahill and did not allow a hit in four innings of work. Blue (1-0) went four innings, struck out seven, walked three, and received the win.

 

“This was my first outing in a long time. My arm felt really fresh out there today. They could not touch my fastball,” said Blue.

 

Vikings manager Chris Cunningham was happy to get the win. “This was a big win for us. We have not caught many breaks against these guys and today we did. You have to hand it to Kyle Cahill and especially Jameel Blue for the way they threw the ball. Also, Ian O’Connor had a big game winning hit for us,” said Cunningham.

 

The Vikings next game is against the Chicago Zephyrs 7 PM at HF.