Vikings Crush Gorillas in a High‑Scoring Affair
The Augustana baseball squad, sitting at No. 17 in the national polls, delivered a 13‑7 triumph over the third‑ranked Pittsburg State Gorillas on Tuesday night, a performance that not only underscored their offensive firepower but also cemented their place in the upcoming super regional.
From the opening inning, the Vikings seized momentum, plating a run before the Gorillas could answer, and never looked back. A flurry of extra‑base hits, including three doubles by Brandon Weigel and a two‑run homer from Kobe Eikmeier, turned a modest lead into a commanding advantage.
Weigel’s all‑around effort was the centerpiece of the offense, as he went 5‑for‑6 with three runs scored, three RBI, a home run and three doubles, driving in a total of six runs while also crossing the plate three times.
On the mound, Mariano Gomez proved equally decisive, striking out six batters over 3 ⅓ innings while surrendering just one run. His late‑game strikeouts with the bases loaded in the sixth and seventh frames preserved the lead and swung the game’s momentum firmly toward Augustana.
Starter Joel Van De Stroet contributed five solid innings, allowing four runs on five hits and striking out two, while reliever Jack Sutton and others shut down the Gorillas’ late rally that trimmed the margin to 13‑7.
The supporting cast also shone, with Jake Lundquist reaching scoring position, Cal Schmelzle delivering a key RBI single, and Bjorn Lind and Ragan Pinnow advancing the runners that set up the decisive blows. Maddox Foss capped the rally with a sacrifice fly, extending the lead to 8‑4 before the Gorillas rallied in the eighth.
A Test Against Central Missouri
The victory sets up a super regional series against Central Missouri, a team that has fought its way through its own bracket. A best‑of‑three showdown will determine which program advances to the Division II College World Series, and Augustana’s coaching staff is already plotting strategies to maintain their early‑game aggression.
Beyond the scoreboard, the win marks a pivotal moment for the program, showcasing depth across the lineup and a bullpen that can handle high‑pressure situations. The blend of veteran leadership from players like Brandon Weigel and emerging arms such as Mariano Gomez bodes well for the team’s championship aspirations.