Bellevue, NE - The Vikings finished their season in the Opening Round of the NAIA National Tournament yesterday, May 16th, as they were eliminated in a heartbreaker to Doane University, 3-2.

How It Happened: The Vikings opened things up strong with a lot of energy after a slow start the previous day. After an empty and rather quick three innings to start the game from both ways, the Vikings showed their batting spark and a double from Brock Rinehart. Rinehart's double advanced a walked Camden Armstrong to third, and with bases loaded Erik Broekemeier singled to left field for the RBI. With the Vikings on the board, a sac fly from Cory Prange would give the Vikings a 2-0 advantage as they headed into the top of the 5th. 

In the top of the 5th the Tigers would grab a lone run off of a double, but would leave two on as Logan Smith would get the needed stop to prevent the bleeding. 

Both teams would blank their 6th inning chance, leaving things in the Vikings hands 2-1. Logan Smith would retire in the top of the 7th, for first-year closer Devin Doyle. A hit by pitch would eventually lead to an unearned run for the Tigers, but Doyle would battle through things to get the final out, but the Tigers would tie things 2-2. 

The Vikings would get the chance to grab an insurance from Heinen as he would move the bases off of a sac bunt from Connor Canny. Heinen would advance on Dane Schwirtz single, but would get put out at home off of his advancement keeping things at 2 all. 

The first up to bat for the Tigers would be the heartbreaker for the Vikings as their shortstop hit a homer to take the lead, 3-2. Doyle would still close things out forcing a flyout, and two strikeouts. 

The Vikings would handle things on the defensive side, as Brock Sailer threw three strikeouts to set the Vikings up for the walk-off. The Vikings wouldn't be able to catch a break as they went 3 and out to close things against the Tigers, 3-2. 
 
Box Score Notes: Logan Smith would be the highlighted pitcher for the Vikings as he threw seven strikeouts, one run on 6 hits, and 2 walks. 
 
Up Next: This will close the 2022-23 season for the Vikings. As head coach Doug Brinker reiterated all weekend, "This will always be a special group for me, you guys raised the standard for Grand View baseball." 

The Vikings close out their decorated season going 34-13 overall, 18-10 in the Heart, and as first-time Conference Champions.