Vale’s Jason Ponce surveys the infield during a game earlier this season. Burns/Crane defeated Vale Monday and the Vikings will go on the road this weekend to close out the season in Irrigon. (The Enterprise/Pat Caldwell).
VALE – Burns/Crane defeated Vale, 11-5 Monday in an Eastern Oregon League contest.
The loss – only the second league setback for the Vikings this season – pushes Vale down to third slot in EOL standings. The Vikings (8-2) face Irrigon Friday.
Last week, Matt McBride gave up just three hits in seven innings to help the Vikings post a 2-1 league win over Burns April 30.
“This was an old-fashioned pitcher duel. Matt pitched very well and when he got into some trouble he managed to get right back in control with some great pitches,” said Rick Yraguen, Vale coach.
Tanner Hamilton, Colton Kesey and Andrew Harmon each smacked one hit apiece for the Vikings against the Highlanders.
On May 1, Homedale rolled past the Vikings 15-1 in a non-league contest.
“This game got out of control with a lot of walks and some timely hits by them,” said Yraguen.
Vale had just three hits, two from Hamilton and one from McBride.
“We gave up 13 free bases. That is just too many to try and stay in the game,” said Yraguen.
“All three games are huge for how things will play out for the district tourney,” said Yraguen.