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After starting the year with six straight losses, a big 11-1 win came against Zimmerman for the North Branch baseball squad.
The Vikings defeated the Thunder April 30 while pounding out 13 hits in a five-inning game.
North Branch started it out in the first as senior Patrick Ryan led off with a single. He stole his way to third base and scored on an error. Seniors Joe Ranger, Rob Stahley and Nick Aaland all singled in the inning for a 4-0 Vikes lead.
The Vikings added 1 more run in the second for a 5-0 lead before sealing the win with 6 runs in the fourth.
In the inning, sophomores Marty Savage and Dominic Stahley singled. Ranger, Rob Stahley and Ryan all hit triples in the inning to secure North Branchís first win.
For the game, Ranger was 3 for 3 with 4 RBI and Rob Stahley was 3 for 3 with 1 RBI. Ryan was 2 for 3 with 3 stolen bases and Dominic Stahley was 2 for 4.
Senior Jake Anderson recorded a complete game and win for the Vikings, striking out 5 and giving up only 1 hit.
Earlier in the week, North Branch took an early 2-0 lead but was unable to hold on, falling to Pine City 7-4 April 27.
Ryan started the first with a walk and stolen base and scored on a double from Warren who later scored.
The Dragons answered with 1 run in the second and went ahead with 4 runs in the third.
On two outs in the fourth, the Vikings rallied on a double from Savage to start things off. Junior Eddie Meier and senior Matt Fletcher walked to score Savage but were both stranded on base. The Vikes trailed 5-3 after four innings.
Pine City scored 2 runs in the fifth on 2 errors and 3 hits. Ryan led off the bottom of the inning with a double and scored on a two-out single from Dominic Stahley.
Both teams were held scoreless in the sixth and seventh for a 7-4 Pine City win.
Aaland pitched the complete game for the loss, striking out 3. Warren and Ryan led the offense with 2 hits apiece.
This week, the Vikes looked for win no. 2 against Big Lake Monday and Foley Thursday. The team takes part in a tournament at Brooklyn Center May 7-8.
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