The Diablo Valley College baseball team are now 2-0 in their season as they beat Mendocino College 4-0 on Thursday, Feb. 4.

Coach Ward said, “We beat each other up in league, so we want to win as many games as possible before that so we have the best chance to make playoffs.”

DVC showed how dominant they could play as pitching from Billy Babb, a freshman in his fist season with the Vikings, pitched five scoreless innings.
Babb was caught with runners on second and third, but always seemed to find the right pitch to get out of the situation.

DVC would tact on their first run in the beginning of the second inning. First baseman, Atticus Soane hit a lead off double to deep right field. A single from Drew Downing moved Soane to third, and a base hit by Daniel Defazio scored from third. They would add one more run in the second inning as Zachary Maloney hit a single to score Downing.

They continued to hit well and bring runners in as the game went on. A pair of sac flies from Soane and pinch hitter, John Anthon, helped score their third and fourth runs.

Shortstop Anthony Taliaferro had multiple great stops in the field. He also had great throws following diving plays, stopping runners from scoring.

Pitching for the Vikings was outstanding, as they only allowed five hits. They used a combination of four pitchers to close out the game. Closing pitcher Andrew Merken ended the game with a great strikeout.

Following the game, Soane said, “nine innings with no runs? Can’t complain about that! But we still need to tighten up mentally.”

The Vikings are in the Big 8 conference where they have tough teams to play, including San Joaquin Delta College, who lost a total of seven games and came in first in the Big 8 last season.   

“We have a lot of talent and I am excited for the season. Can’t wait to see what we can do this season,” said Taliaferro.

The Vikings return Friday Feb. 12 at 1 p.m. to combat Lassen Community College at home.