Vikings put together a victory

Sophomore Lance Paschal limited Moore County to one earned run in seven innings on Friday. (T-G Photo by Jimmy Jones) [Click to enlarge]

Big innings by opposing teams have contributed heavily to the newly sprouted gray hairs on a once-youthful Community coach Josh Burrahm as his seniorless team plays well in spurts but struggles to put seven innings together on a consistent basis.

But the Vikings put things together Friday afternoon in a 6-4 win over Moore County at Unionville.

This time, the Purple and Gold had the big inning with six runs in the third inning in a game that just may turn the tide for the youthful squad.

Sophomore right-hander Lance Paschal turned in a nine-strikeout, five-hit complete game performance on the mound and hit a bases-loaded triple as well. Chris West and Joseph Freebury added two hits apiece.

"It was a good day for the guys," Burrahm said. "Lance pitched a heck of a game and we hit the ball about as well as we have all year. We had four errors, but two were on the same play and we were able to play our way out of it.

"It took a while but it looks like we have learned to take care of the little things in a game that contribute to being winners."

Vann Boyce started for the Raiders and threw five innings, striking out four and allowing one base on balls. All six of the runs the Vikings scored were earned.

"We have played a lot of games this week and we will be a little thin pitching-wise but we have a chance to make a difference in the standings over the next few days," Burrahm said.

"This win was a good way to get it started. Now we have to keep the momentum going in our favor. We have the talent, and now we know what it takes. We just need to apply it on the field."

Community was scheduled to host a makeup double-header on Saturday against District 9-A opponent Van Buren County.