Carolyn Moore pitched all the way for the Vikings in the first-round state 3-A playoff game.
Viking coach Matt Hrbek’s squad was knocked out of the playoffs by the seventh-ranked Falcons in the first round last year by a 7-1 score. This time they were ready for the Falcons.
“We were expecting the same as last year,” Hrbek said. “A lot of slapping and bunting. We made some outstanding plays in the infield.”
The win earns the Vikings a second-round game against Weddington, a winner over Southeast Guilford. The Vikings will once again take to the road for the Tuesday contest.
The Vikings (20-5) took a 1-0 lead in the first on a double by Ashley Jones and a single by Lisa Jackson. By the fourth inning, the Falcons led 4-1.
In the top of the fifth, the visitors scored four runs to take a 5-4 lead.
Jackson started the rally with a single. Amy Calcutt was hit by a pitch and with two outs Karen Berthoud beat out a hit in the infield to load the bases. Singles by Stephanie Atkins and Carolyn Moore produced two runs. Then an errant pickoff attempt at third brought home two more.
West Rowan tied the game with an unearned run in the seventh and it stayed that way until the top of the ninth.
Atkins started the Vikings winning ways by slashing a triple down the right-field line. A couple of strikeouts later, Melody Moore lined a shot off the glove of the Falcon shortstop, scoring Atkins.
“Melody was robbed twice tonight,” Hrbek said, “so it was nice to see her get the winning hit.”
Helped by an over-the-shoulder catch by center fielder Atkins, Carolyn Moore retired the Falcons in order in the ninth to complete the upset.
Moore struck out four and walked only one.
