southlandvikings.com

James Dawson had two home runs and three RBIs for the Southland Vikings (11-15) but it was not enough as they fell to the Will County CrackerJacks (17-9), 13-6.

The Vikings were essentially always playing from behind, as they were down 1-0 in the second inning. After tying it thanks to an error, the CrackerJacks exploded for five runs in the third inning including a 3-run home run by Landon Lucansky.

Dawson and Elliott Armstrong would try to lead the Vikings back as they cut the deficit to two twice. In the fourth, Armstrong hit a 2-run home run and two batters later, Dawson had a solo shot to make it 6-4.

After the CrackerJacks added two in the top of the sixth, Dawson hit another home run, this time with a runner on, to make it 8-6. But that would be it for the Vikings, as the CrackerJacks would add four more runs to win 13-6.

Dawson fueled the Vikings’ offense, going 2 for 3 with two runs scored and three RBIs while Armstrong went 3 for 5 two runs scored and two RBIs. However, it was the CrackerJacks’ offense that stood as they had 15 hits. Mitch Elliott stood out as he went 3 for 6 with three runs scored and three RBIs. In fact, seven CrackerJack batters recorded an RBI.

Evan Neitfeldt (1-2) started for the Vikings and got off to a good start, but struggled in the third inning. He went 2.2 innings, giving up four earned runs on three hits while walking six. The Vikings also struggled on defense as they had four errors. Austin Dunfee (1-0) received his first win for the CrackerJacks while Neitfeldt got the loss.

The Vikings will look to bounce back Saturday night against the Northwest Indiana Oilmen. This is the seventh game between the two teams but the first one at Homewood-Flossmoor High School.