JAMESTOWN – The hits just kept on coming Sunday afternoon for the Valley City State baseball team.
The Vikings pounded out 21 hits – including three home runs and four doubles – as they put up 24 runs in seven innings and routed the University of Jamestown, 24-4.
Valley City State scored six runs in the second inning, three runs each in the third and fourth innings, eight runs in the fifth inning and four more in the sixth inning en route to the victory by 10-run rule.
The Vikings now have a 6-1 record this season and have beaten Jamestown twice. The Jimmies drop to 2-3 overall.
Starting pitcher Zach Veneman was the beneficiary of the offensive explosion as he earned the win with four strong innings on the mound. Veneman allowed three hits and two runs, walked only one and struck out three. Jace Hanson pitched the final three innings, striking out three while allowing three hits and two runs. Hanson was credited with a three-inning save.
Following a scoreless first inning, VCSU's Drew Nixon drew a leadoff walk to start the second inning. Ryan Reynolds followed with a two-run home run and the rout was one. A two-run double by Avery Bennefeld pushed the lead to 4-0, and then JT Reed and David Demeter drove in runs to cap a six-run second inning.
The Vikings pushed the lead to 12-2 after four innings and then broke the game wide open with an eight-run fifth inning. Jayden Shipman hit a three-run home run and JT Reed had a two-run blast to highlight the fifth inning.
Seven Vikings had at least two hits in the victory. Reynolds went 4-for-5 with a home run and a double, five RBIs and four runs scored. JT Reed also had four hits, going 4-for-5 with a double, home run, four RBIs and two runs. Bennefeld doubled and went 3-for-5 with two runs and four RBIs. Shipman and Adam Thompson each had two hits and three RBIs, and Nixon and Shipman each scored four times.
Up next: Valley City State finishes the fall season on Monday at Charlie Brown Field, hosting Mayville State University for one 9-inning game at 5:30 p.m.
