Irving, TX - Led by a dominant pitching performance from senior Nate Hall, the Vikings claimed their second postseason championship of the season, beating Parish Episcopal 6-0 to win their second consecutive regional championship. With the win, the Vikings advance to the state semifinals on the campus of UTA.
Hall was electric on the mound for the Vikings from the opening frame. He worked six shutout innings, stringing out six, while allowing three hits.
“Nate was dominant tonight. He was getting ahead in the count and induced a lot of weak contact. What a special performance tonight from him on the biggest stage,” head coach Joe Weik stated.
Offensively another senior led the way. Shortstop Devon Ashcraft had three hits, two RBIs and was also hit by a pitch. Hall helped himself going 2-3 with a double and two runs scored, while senior Trey Rowe plated two runs with a double.
“As we have talked about, seniors need to produce in the playoffs and our guys are at the moment. They have continued to work throughout the season to put themselves in this position. I am proud of their work and look forward to them improving more this week in practice,” Weik said.
The Vikings will square off against Prestonwood Christian Academy in the state semifinals. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30, Friday afternoon at UTA.
With a chance to compete for the state championship for the second straight season, Weik is excited for one more week with his club.
“This season has not been as smooth as last year but the guys have continued to battle, even when things were not good. For them to have another week together and the opportunity to compete for a state championship, we could not ask for anything else,” Weik concluded.
Ticket information for the state semifinal matchup will be released later in the coming week.