McHale Korf’s run scoring single broke the 11-11 tie in the 9th. Brock Sjolie followed with a fly ball that was dropped, scoring 2 more to provide the final margin of victory. Weston Funk, making his 2nd appearance on the mound in the game set the Chargers down in order to preserve the win.

Both teams scored single runs in the 1st with the Vikings coming back with 4 more in the 2nd on a walk to Peyton Blakeway, Austin Stoll getting hit by a pitch and consecutive singles by Korf, Luke Sjolie and Carson McNeal. The Chargers came back with 2 in the 2nd, 2 in the 3rd, 3 in the 4th and 1 in the 5th to build a 9-5.

Pelican took the lead in the 6th, scoring 5 runs with 2 outs. Logan Fahje and Blakeway were both hit pitches with one out. Alex Lynnes followed with a line drive that was caught on an excellent play by the Charger 2nd baseman. It could have easily been a double play but for good base running by both runners getting back to the bags. A walk, an error, followed by singles from Korf, Luke Sjolie and McNeal brought in 4 runs. A passed ball brought in Sjolie, giving the Vikings a 10-9 lead at this point. They increased the lead in the 7th to 11-9 when Korf singled, driving in Fahje, who had singled to start the inning.

In a tense bottom of the 7th, the Chargers loaded the bases with one out on a walk, an infield error and a hit by pitch. A double down the right field line scored 2, tying the game, with the winning run at 3rd. A squeeze play ensued with pitcher Luke Sjolie grabbing the bunt in the air and retiring the runner at 3rd.

Neither team scored in the 8th before the Vikings heroics in the 9th.

Isaac Olson started on the mound for Pelican and was relieved by Brock Sjolie in the 2nd. He pitched into the 4th before being relieved by Funk. Luke Sjolie came in the 6th and pitched 3 solid innings and was the pitching of record, improving his record to 4-0 on the year. Due to a migraine, Funk relieved again and got the save. The Vikings had 11 hits on the day with Korf and Luke Sjolie leading the attack going 4 for 6 and 3 for 6 respectively. Korf had 4 RBI’s and Sjolie 3. Pelican pitchers only gave up 6 hits but 6 errors resulted in 5 unearned runs for Brandon/Evansville.

“It was a long tense game with many momentum swings but our guys did a good job of battling back and putting together good at bats,” said Pelican Rapids Assistant Coach Steve Babb. “We still need to clean up our infield play as we have had way too many errors there. Our pitching has been good overall and we will need to continue that as we have double headers with home games Tuesday and Thursday against Breckenridge and Perham.”