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Slugfest brings 10-8 winBy Danielle Strenke It was a great day for a ball game. Okay, admittedly, Monday was a great day for anything outdoors. But for the North Branch varsity baseball squad, it was especially a great day for baseball. The Vikings took the field against Centennial Monday afternoon, in their home opener and first game of the season. The contest ended with a 10-8 win for the locals, giving them a big confidence booster to start the season. The Cougars came out strong in the top of the first, putting two runs on the board early. Not to be outdone, the Vikes answered by tying the game in their half of the inning. Both runs were driven in on a booming homer off the bat of junior Andy Huberty. The Cougars added another run in the third to take the 3-2 edge. Again, the Vikings took the lead back by adding three runs in the third. With a runner on, Hubertyís hot bat came alive again, this time hitting a looping double that bounced high on the fence in straight center field to put two runners on in scoring position. Both were driven home when senior Alex Streater stepped up and drove one over the left field fence for 3 RBI and a 5-3 Vikes lead after three. North Branch expanded its lead with an explosive five-run fourth inning. With the bases loaded on three consecutive singles, Streater added two more RBI with a hard double to mid-left field. The Cougars helped the cause with two errors which led to two more runs for the Vikes, and a single rounded out the inning with the final run. Centennial picked up a run in the fifth, and then threatened when they capitalized on Vikings errors in the sixth by narrowing the lead to 10-7. Pitching trouble led to a bases-loaded, one out scenario for the Vikings in the top of the seventh. The Vikes worked out of the inning, however, allowing only one run and going away with the 10-8 victory. Senior Jake Sykes picked up the win for North Branch. Seniors Shane Antonson and Darrin Vogt, and Huberty also shared in the pitching duties. At the plate, senior Brandon Trampe went 3 for 4 with three singles, Huberty was 2 for 4 including a home run, Streater was also 2 for 4 with a home run and a double, and senior Ryan Peterson was 2 for 3 with a double. ©ECM Post Review |