southlandvikings.com

The Southland Vikings continued their tear of the Midwest Collegiate League with the Northwest Indiana Oilmen becoming Thursday’s victim in a 7-4 game.

Second baseman Trey Polewski continued his own tear, proving to be the hero in a game where the Vikings continued to show their gritty attitude, especially at the plate.

“I was ready to go and get the win,” Polewski said.

Polewski’s heroics came in the fifth inning when he hit a double into the center field gap to score two runs and break the 3-3 tie. It’s been a hart start to the season for the second baseman, who averaged .414 heading into the game, hitting four RBIs in seven games for the Vikings.

Polewski has only gotten hitless in a game once this season, and the hot hitting has revolved around the timely and hot hitting by Southland.

“Hitting is very contagious,” manager Kevin Franchetti said. “They guys are building in. Everyone is definitely heling each other out on it.”

Southland won its fifth game in a row with what has helped the Vikings earn a 7-1-1 record: timely hitting. The Vikings were out-hit, but that didn’t matter, as the team managed to garner hits when it mattered the most.

The Vikings didn’t waste any time getting after Oilmen starter Nate Thomas. The game started with a routine groundball to the Oilmen third baseman, but the ball went right though the third basemen’s glove, allowing Jalen Davis to reach base. A single put on another Viking before Tom Decero launched a home run over the left field wall to give the Vikings an early 3-0 lead.

Southland added two more runs in the top of the seventh, securing the win.

Viking pitcher Matt Sonntag allowed three runs in the bottom of the third after a strong start. Hunter Kraynak continued his strong start to the season, coming in relief of the game and allowing only one hit.

Southland has found all the right cylinders right now, and Franchetti knows that’s necessary for his team to continue its strong start to the season.

“We got a good bunch of guys,” Polewski said. “The confidence is there.”