Viking center fielder Zach Haynes sends a base hit back up the middle. (T-G Photo by Jimmy Jones) [Click to enlarge]

The Community Vikings put together 10 hits to outscore visiting Van Buren County 12-2 in the first game of a District 9-A doubleheader on Saturday afternoon to make a winner out of sophomore right-hander Cody Pierce.

Pierce allowed one earned run in seven innings and struck out eight in picking up his second win of the season for the Purple and Gold.

The Viking defense was superb, contributing to the win with only one miscue after averaging around five per game in recent outings.

Pierce aided his own cause immeasurably by staying ahead of the Eagle hitters in the count and did not issue a walk in the contest.

Michael Smith, Joseph Freebury and Kerry Breshears led the way offensively with two hits each as the Vikes scored in every inning to invoke the mercy rule on their opponent and mark the fourth time this season that they have scored 10 or more runs in a game.

"Cody pitched a great game and showed that if you throw strikes that good things happen for you," Community coach Josh Burrahm said. "We continue to swing the bats well and our gloves have finally started to come around.

"Our kids are playing with more confidence and that always translates into a better effort on the field."

Community 13, Van Buren County 1: Viking hurler Chris West struck out a career best 13 batters in the nightcap and his offense kept stoking the fire with their hot bats as they matched their first game total of 10 hits to extend their winning streak to three.

Trey Barnes and Smith contributed three hits and two runs scored while Zach Haynes, West, and Pierce added two knocks apiece to lead the Purple and Gold to one of their best offensive showings in several years.

Community junior Chris West struck out a career-best 13 Van Buren County hitters in the second game of the doubleheader. (T-G Photo by Jimmy Jones) [Click to enlarge]

The Eagles (3-8, 0-8 9-A) were led by Chase Hillis with two hits and a run scored.

Community (7-8, 4-6) pitchers combined for 21 strikeouts while getting 25 runs in support to extend their winning streak to three and earned themselves four days rest between games due to scheduling difficulties because of the recent spate of storms in the area.

"It is not an ideal time for us to not be playing ball," Burrahm said. "We have built some confidence and we are playing well as a team so we would like to be playing. We tried to get a game or two scheduled but everybody's schedule is tight due to the rains.

"It can also be looked at as a blessing in disguise because it gives us a chance to get over some bumps and bruises and let our arms rest up a bit. We will get out and continue to work on fundamentals and be ready to go on Thursday."