The Vikings dug a deep 7-0 hole in the first game before a 3 run rally in the bottom of the 6th fell short as they lost to the Nuggets 7-3 in game 1.  Once again, defense proved to be a major factor as the Vikings committed 12 errors.  Starting pitcher Reggie Funk went the first 3 2/3rd innings, giving up 6 hits and 7 runs, of which only 2 were earned.  Johnny Ziebel pitched 2 hit scoreless ball the rest of the way. Tim Guler did the catching.   Pelican was held to 5 hits with 4 coming in their 6th inning rally.  Patrick Pechtel and Hayden Christenson started the inning off with singles and scored on Reggie Funk’s triple to left.  After 2 strikeouts, Ziebel singled to score Funk.   Brock Sjolie got the Vikings other hit. 

Game 2 was much more competitive despite losing 2-1.  Hayden pitched the entire game, allowing only 2 hits, striking out 4 and walking 3.  Only 1 of the runs was earned.  Defensively, the Vikings played better as they cut their errors down to 2.  Hawley took a 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning on 2 walks, a single and a wild pitch.  Pelican came back in the 3rd to tie the game.  Patrick Pechtel doubled to lead off the inning, advancing to 3rd on a ground out and scoring on a wild pitch.  The Vikings threatened again in the 7th when Liam Sytsma led off with a single.  Alex Lynnes bunted him to 2nd and Logan Fahje was hit by a pitch to put the go ahead run on the bases with one out. After a strikeout, Hayden Christenson grounded out on a close play at first to end the game.  “Hayden pitched a good game, despite having some control problems at times,” said Assistant Coach Steve Babb.  “He pitched well enough to win the game.  We just didn’t get the big hit when we needed it.”