Vikings win first game, advance in Playoffs
A pep talk from Coach during the first playoff game vs. Ely. Photo by Renee Buryanek
The Cook County Vikings won their first playoff game at Bennett Park in Hibbing versus Ely, defeating the Timberwolves, 6-5.
The team was happy to have DJ Seidel back in play after it appeared an injury would sideline him for the season. He got the okay from doctors and was back on the field with the team on Tuesday.
Coach Arleigh Jorgenson said the Vikings played really well, especially considering Ely's strong baseball program.
Paul Dorr pitched and struck out four. Coach Jorgenson said he was "methodical and relentless."
The offense was really strong, said Coach with Tate Crawford again leading the way making a double, triple, and 3 RBIs.
The Vikings lost the second game on Tuesday, the first loss in the double elimination tournament. It was a hard-fought game, but the Silver Bay Mariners got the win, 10-18.
The Vikings head to Proctor* on Thursday, June 3 to face the Chisholm Bluestrikes, a team that bounced Cook County out of the playoffs in years past. The game starts at 2 p.m.
Coach Jorgenson notes that Chisholm was 9-8 going into the playoffs and the Vikings were 5-10, so on paper it looks like Chisholm has an advantage. But Coach said everything changes in the playoffs. He said the team is excited about the game and he believes they will do really well.
If they beat Chisholm, they will play a second game in Proctor*, against either Nashwauk or South Ridge at 7 p.m.
Thanks once again to Renee Buryanek for photos from the game. Click on the picture above to see more.
* At the time of the interview, it was thought the playoff game versus Chisholm would be held at Mesabi East. The location has changed, the game will be at Proctor High School.
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