southlandvikings.com

The Southland Vikings (16-21) had their chances but could not overcome an early deficit and fell to the DeKalb County Liners (24-14) for their second loss in a row.

DeKalb scored two runs in the first two innings and added another in the fourth to take a 3-0 lead. In the fifth, the Vikings cut the lead thanks to an RBI single from Micah Rooke. In the seventh, the Liners added two more runs to extend their lead while Rooke had another RBI in the bottom of the inning to make it 5-2.

But the Vikings would not come back and had four baserunners thrown out in the final three innings. Rooke led the way offensively, going 2 for 4 with two RBIs.

Aaron Hauge (0-2) picked up the loss despite only giving up three earned runs in six innings while striking out eight. However, both he and reliever Evan Neitfeldt (2-2) combined to throw nine walks. Zach Strecker (2-1) was stellar on the mound for the Liners, picking up the win while allowing one earned run on three hits in six innings of work. Joey Burney (1-0) picked up his first save of the season.

The Vikings will look to bounce back against the Northwest Indiana Oilmen (24-13) Sunday afternoon. While Southland is 3-6 against the Oilmen, the Vikings have won the last two matchups.