Hopkins still has plenty of offensive fireworks in its lineup, but the Vikings over the last two days only have two doubleheader splits to show for it.
The Vikings mercied Lowell 13-3 in the first game of a non-league doubleheader Thursday, but dropped a 15-12 decision in the nightcap. Their overall record now is 14-3 and they are 6-0 in the O-K Silver Conference standings, tied with perennial powerhouse Calvin Christian.
A five-run rally in the first inning and a six-run burst in the fourth caused Lowell to exit early in the opening game.
Freshman Hannah Brinks threw five innings, walking three and striking out five. Only one of the Red Arrows’ runs was earned.
Brinks and Megan Andres both unloaded a double, Lyla Reynolds had two singles and every hitter in the lineup had at least one hit. Andres and Avery Osborn both drove home three runs.
But things were different in the nightcap, as Lowell scored early and often to put the Vikings back on their heels and they were unable to overcome the deficit.
Reynolds continued her torrid hitting pace with four hits, including a double and a home run. Losing pitcher Sierra Smith cracked a double and a triple and she, Avery Osborn and Ava Vanderkolk each collected two hits, one a double.
Smith and reliever Brinks were plagued by unearned runs, as the Red Arrows collected nine of them on six Hopkins errors.
The Vikings will have a showdown at Calvin Christian Monday in a doubleheader likely to determine the O-K Silver champion.
