Posted: 5/2/07
Vikings snap losing streak
 Kirk Dahle fields a grounder during the Vikings clash with St. Francis at home April 24. The Vikings lost the game 4-8. |
By Steve Morris
It took eight long games, but the North Branch baseball team finally entered the win column. In fact, the Vikes played well enough to take home the first-place trophy at the Big Lake Invitational April 28.
Against Big Lake last Saturday, the Vikes squeaked away with a 2-1 win. The Vikes kept the momentum going, winning their next two games against Paynesville and Fridley.
Danny Ginal earned the win on the mound for the Vikings vs. Big Lake. Head coach Steve Christenson said he pitched an excellent game. Ginal held Big Lake to a mere one hit on the game.
"He had excellent command of his pitches and the defense played well behind him," he said. Big Lake's only run came after three North Branch errors.
It took extra innings to win against Paynesville. Ben Meemken was the day's hero, driving in the go ahead run in the eighth inning to win the game.
"Meemken found that hole between the shortstop and the third basemen ..." Christen said.
Rounding off their winning ways, the boys downed Fridley 8-6 April 30. Chris Becklin earned the win on the mound.
On their home turf, North Branch let in six runs in the third inning against St. Francis April 24. It proved too big a deficit as the boys fell 4-8.
Tony Dahlberg got the start on the mound, but was taken out of the game after he was hit in the leg by a pitch. Chris Becklin relieved Dahlberg but ran into a strong hitting St. Francis team.
"They were a good hitting team. When we left the ball up a little bit, they hit," head coach Steve Christenson said.
Senior DJ Charley was the shinning bright light for the Vikes. Charley went three for four at the plate with one run batted in.
Switching games, the Vikes rolled into Spring Lake Park to take on the Panthers. Again, the Vikes fumbled the game and lost 6-8.
Kirk Dahle earned the starting spot for the Vikes on the mound. Dahle pitched five innings, giving up four runs.
Dahlberg and Danny Ginal both went two for four at the plate.
"We did a great job taking care of their base running mistakes," Christenson said. "We just made too many physical errors to keep us in the ball game."
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