southlandvikings.com

Griffith, Ind. – June 15, 2023 – The bats woke up for the Vikings on a brisk evening in Griffith, but a season high six errors led to a 17-10 loss to the Generals on Thursday night.

On a cool night with temperatures in the 50's at first pitch, the Vikings scored ten runs in the first six innings but were not able to overcome the extra chances that they gave the Generals. In addition to six errors, the Vikings also walked seven and hit two batters.

“I just told them that they have to take accountability and ask themselves what they can do better on defense,” Vikings manager Sullivan Stickann said of his postgame message to the team. “We’re hitting the ball very, very well, so it’s tough making those errors when the bats are so hot and we’re letting teams beat us by beating ourselves.”

The Vikings have now given the Generals two of their three wins this season while committing nine errors and walking 19 in the two games.

One bright spot for the Vikings was the debut of Bryce Nevils, who joins the team after helping lead Brother Rice High School to the IHSA Class 4A State Finals. Nevils went 1 for 2 with a sacrifice fly and two walks while driving in two and scoring a run in his Vikings debut.

The Vikings (6-8) next head to Oil City Stadium on Friday to take on the red-hot Northwest Indiana Oilmen (8-3), who have won eight straight games. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10pm with Nolan Vlcek expected to start on the mound for the Vikings.