Vikings roll past Ferriday Wednesday

Published 5:47 pm Thursday, April 19, 2007

Sometimes the best way to recover from a tough loss is to come out firing.

The Vidalia Vikings certainly did that Wednesday afternoon in a 17-0 win over Ferriday.

Less than 24 hours after a 9-3 loss to Mangham, freshman pitcher Mason Ozburn was perfect in three innings of work and the Vikings (18-10, 4-0 in district play) pounded out 10 hits and took advantage of a plethora of Ferriday (3-13, 1-3) walks and miscues to claim the district victory.

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“It was a tough loss for us last night,” Vidalia assistant coach Gary Parnham said. “We came out focused and got back on the winning track. We felt like we only played half a game last night, and you’ve got to play seven innings when it’s playoff time.”

Shayne Knapp notched a two-run home run in the third inning and Trey Brasher was 2-for-2 with four RBI to lead the Vikings.

Ferriday starter Malcolm Griggs lasted just a little over an inning in taking the loss. He gave up six runs.

Ozburn struck out seven of the nine batters he faced.

While Ozburn wasn’t entirely satisfied with his performance, he said he is happy to be part of the rotation with playoff baseball coming up.

“I felt like I could’ve thrown harder,” he said. “I’ll just do whatever (the coaches) ask me to do (the rest of the way).”

While the Trojans were unable to get a base hit or a baserunner, head coach Steve Collins said he was more pleased with his team’s effort in Wednesday’s game, as opposed to the two teams’ first meeting two weeks ago, which Vidalia won 22-1.

“We played the way I know we’re capable of playing,” Collins said. “Last time we didn’t make plays. This time we made the plays we’re capable of making. (Left fielder) Kendrick Harris made a great diving catch. Our shortstop kept the ball in front of him. We did much better this time.”

Ferriday finished in a tie with Lake Providence for second in the district. The two teams will meet Saturday at 1 p.m. in Sicily Island for the right to advance to the playoffs.

Vidalia will take on Harrisonburg today at 4 p.m. and Bethany Christian Saturday at 2 p.m. Both games will be in Vidalia.