The Viewmont Vikings will head out on the road to challenge the Clearfield Falcons at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Viewmont is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.7 runs per game this season.
Viewmont took a loss when they played away from home on Friday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Monday. Everything went their way against Northridge as they made off with a 15-5 win. The result was nothing new for the Vikings, who have now won five matchups by six runs or more so far this season.
Kimball Essig was incredible, going 2-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and one double. That's the most runs he has posted since back in March. The team also got some help courtesy of Gehrig Lee, who scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances.
Viewmont was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .484. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Clearfield came tearing into Monday's game with three straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 6.3 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They walked away with a 6-2 victory over the Lakers.
Taven Swartz spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered just two earned runs on three hits and racked up six Ks. Clearfield is 2-1 when Swartz allows three or fewer earned runs, but 5-7 otherwise.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Logan Fenn, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-3. Another player making a difference was Colt Chambers, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 1-for-3.
Viewmont is on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five contests. That's provided a massive bump to their 8-7 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.2 runs on average over those games. As for Clearfield, their record is now 7-8.
Wednesday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Viewmont hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .322. However, it's not like Clearfield struggles in that department as they've averaged .325. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Viewmont's way against Clearfield when the teams last played back in April of 2024, as Viewmont made off with a 10-2 victory. Do the Vikings have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Falcons turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
