The Vidalia Vikings did not get off to the start they were hoping for at the Vidalia Invitational against Class 4A Franklin Parish, a team that lost eight starters from last year’s team.

Vidalia allowed Franklin Parish to score seven runs in the first three innings while its defense committed seven costly errors as the host team fell to the Patriots 8-4 Thursday afternoon in six innings.

Franklin Parish got a solid effort from winning pitcher C. Eaton, who held Vidalia (10-6) to four runs on just four hits. And while the Vikings continue to struggle at the plate, head coach Johnny Lee Hoffpauir had to be surprised that the defense was a factor in the Patriots’ win.

The Patriots scored three runs in the top of the first inning and then two runs each in the top of the second and third innings. Meanwhile, the Vikings scored two runs in the bottom of the first, but never got closer than 3-2.

Franklin Parish was led by T. Washam, who went 3-for-4, and T. Whitley, who was 2-for-3. The Patriots finished with eight hits. Beau Doughty and Shane Knapp each had a double for the Vikings.