Vikings baseball has back-to-back wins

The last time WTIP checked in with Cook County Vikings Baseball Coach Arleigh Jorgenson, the team was preparing to face the McGregor Mercuries on the road. Coach Jorgenson was hopeful that the team had gained more confidendence at away games. That seemed to be the case, as the Vikings defeated the Mercuries, 17-0. 

 

Coach Jorgenson noted that McGregor is in a rebuilding phase in its baseball program, but he was still very pleased with how well the Vikings played. 

 

Paul Dorr pitched a shutout with six hits, five strikeouts, and no walks. Tate Crawford led the team with two for two. Ben Obinger was behind the plate and Kole Anderson covered first, which was a change-up, but Coach Jorgenson said they played really well in the different positions. 

 

On Friday, May 21, the Vikings faced Northeast Range at home and defeated them 11-1. 

 

Jacob Dorr pitched that game and allowed three hits and struck out six. Patrick Pierre, Jacob Dorr, and Amos Falter each had two hits. Tate Crawford was walked four times. 

 

The Vikings have been finetuning sliding and stealing bases and they stole nine bases. Amos Falter, dubbed the Vikings' fastest player by Coach Jorgenson, stole four bases, including third base twice. 

 

There was a frightening moment when Viking leadoff hitter, fielder DJ Seidell was hit directly in the face after a miscue with a short flyball. The hit didn't affect his vision, but it is likely he is facing surgery. 

 

Coach Jorgenson said the team will feel this loss, stating, "He's a senior. He's a leader in our team. He's just an excellent player and a lot of passion for the game. 

 

"We just know he'll be back for some time during the summer season," said Coach Jorgenson, "We just hope it's sooner rather than later."

 

The Vikings played Two Harbors on Friday, May 28 for their last regular-season game. After back-to-back wins, the Vikings lost to Two Harbors, 9-3. 

 

The Vikings head to the first playoff game on Tuesday, June 1. The time and location are yet to be determined. Playoff games take place on a neutral field, so the game will be at Esko, Hibbing, Mesabi East or UMD’s Wade Field in Duluth.

WTIP's Rhonda Silence talks to Arleigh Jorgenson about some of the exciting moments in last week's games. 

**Thanks to Renee Buryanek for the baseball photos. Click on the photo to see more **