North Branch opened its season in heart-stopping style Apr. 7 with a 7-6 extra innings win against the Princeton Tigers at home.
The Vikings jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first inning when Marty Savage walked home after a balk by the Princeton pitcher. Chris Delaney reached base on an error, and Dan Gray batted them both home on a single. A sac fly by Matt Warren scored Chris Lindberg in the 2nd, giving the Vikings a 4-0 lead.

But Princeton roared back, taking a 4-5 lead in the 3rd on 4 hits, including a double and triple, and 2 walked batters. The Tigers scored again in the 4th, knocking starter Delaney out of the game. He was relieved by Matt Warren, who held Princeton hitless the rest of the way.

North Branch, down 5-6 going into the 7th, tied the game with a double by Dominic Stahley, which scored Savage, who had reached on a walk.

In the 9th inning Matt Warren reached base on an error. A single by Stahley moved him to 3rd. With Delaney at bat, the Princeton pitcher was called for a balk, allowing Warren to score the winning run.

"For us to take the lead, fall behind and then battle back for the win in extra innings was a nice start for us. We continued to battle and that was great to see," said Coach Larry Schlagel.
Up next: Apr. 19 v. Pine City, Apr. 21 v. Chisago Lakes.

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