The Vikings set sail but ultimately sank when they took on the Modesto Pirates last Friday afternoon at Diablo Valley College.

After a run-less two innings, Modesto managed a run in the top of the third. Unable to match the Pirates, Carter Newton came out to pitch for DVC with a 1 – 0 score. A line drive to third got Modesto a runner on first but as he stole second, defense got him out, two more outs followed and DVC was back up to bat.

Drew Downing came out strong with a double and Brian Gosiengfiao advanced him to third. Adam Remotto came in and got Downing home tying up the game.

James White of DVC came out to pitch the fifth. Defense made quick work with two outs but with a player remaining on first, a ground ball advanced the runner to second. Some sloppy fielding advanced Modesto’s runners to second and third, and a hit to left center field brought the score to 3 – 1, Pirates.

Andres Rodriguez took first at the onset of the bottom of the fifth. He quickly advanced and scored a run thanks to Ryan Tom and Zachary Maloney. Maloney scored a run as well tying up the game once again. Downing came up to bat and ended the inning with Zachary Guardino left on third.

The sixth inning went by quickly with fast outs and no runs, leaving the game tied.

Doug Nimura pitched the seventh and allowed one run, but made a great play to first getting the third out, 4 – 3 Modesto.

Tom came up to bat for DVC and was walked. Maloney and Guardino managed hits that advanced Tom home tying up the game, 4 – 4.

The eighth inning marked another quick one, and neither team scored, keeping the tie intact.

Nimura came through and got three back to back outs in the top of the ninth, but Rodriguez was unable to score on a slide home and the game went into overtime.

With one out Modesto walked to first and then second as well. With a man on first and second an overthrow to second base by Nimura broke the tie, 5 – 4.  A bunt with runners on first and third allowed another run for the Pirates and ultimately cost DVC the game as they were unable to come back. The game ended 6 – 4.

With five games remaining in the Big 8 conference and DVC currently tied for fifth DVC will have to dig deep to come up with the wins needed to proceed to playoffs.

White commented on the season so far, “We started pretty hot, slipped a little bit, but picked it back up over the last two weeks.”

As for the remainder of the season he said, “If we play well, we’ll almost certainly make playoffs.”

The Vikings continue to battle the Pirates Thursday April 21 at 2:30 p.m. at DVC.