Viking pitcher Kelby Demonbreum struck out six Hornets. (T-G Photo by Jimmy Jones) [Click to enlarge]

The Community Vikings' season continues to be defined by a well-played opening four innings and then a not-so-well played rest of the game.

Thursday was no exception as Community took a 2-1 lead into the fourth inning against Huntland before the wheels fell off in a 13-3 loss in Unionville.

Huntland scored first before the Vikings came back to take the lead in the second inning when Kelby Demonbreum led off with a base hit followed by a Joseph Freebury walk.

Zach Haynes loaded the bases after working his way on via a free pass and Michael Smith plated two runs with a single on an 0-2 count.

Demonbreum made the score stand until the fourth as he struck out four and allowed only two baserunners to that point.

The Hornets put an eight spot on the board in the fourth frame on just three hits aided by three Viking errors, three walks and a passed ball to blow the game open and chase Demonbreum from the mound.

"Once again we have demonstrated that we are fully capable of playing this game if only in short bursts," Community coach Josh Burrahm said. "It is hard to fathom why we continue to play well in four or five innings and then let the game get away from us on a regular basis.

"Kelby pitched an outstanding game except for a couple of mistakes and he deserved a better ending."

Four more runs in the fifth gave the Hornets the cushion they needed to end the game due to the mercy rule despite being outhit eight to six by the Purple and Gold.

Community had several opportunities for productive innings but ran themselves out of potential scores by getting thrown out at third base on three occasions.

"We have the talent and the desire on this team," Burrahm said. "We just have some serious work to do on fundamentals."