The Portage Indians improved their record to 9-6 by knocking off the Valparaiso Vikings 9-3 in varsity baseball action on Saturday morning at PHS.
The windy conditions were a big factor for the Duneland Athletic Conference clash, but the good news was that the rain stayed away. The contest was forced to be rescheduled three times due to the weather before it was finally played on Saturday.
Allen Barrett led the charge for Portage, pitching a complete game and launching a two-run home run. Senior Tony Cheky doubled to drive in the first Indian run in the bottom of the first inning and ended up going 2-for-3 with a pair of extra base hits on the day. Gabe Acevado and Andrew Brown drove in two runs each with their third inning doubles as Portage snagged a 5-3 edge.
For the Vikings, Greg Simms rapped a two-bagger to tie the game at one in the second inning. In the top of the third, Valparaiso went in front as Dom Coatsolonia and Nick Simon both came around to score. After that, Barrett took control, tossing four straight scoreless frames.
John Olejnikzak was on the hill for Valpo. He was very sharp outside of the four-run fourth inning. Coatsolonia managed to reach base three times via two walks and a hit by pitch.
Brown (2-for-4), Barrett (3-for-4) and Cheky all turned in multi-hit games for the Indians, while designated hitter Zach Thorn reach base three times in the lead-off spot, including a fifth inning double to score a run.
Valparaiso is under a new head coach this season in Dave Coyle, who replaces ex-big leaguer Mickey Morandini, who left to become a minor league manager in the Phillies’ farm system.
The Portage versus Valparaiso rivalry will be renewed at VHS on Thursday, May 12 as the Indians try to sweep the season series and the Vikings hope to rebound and cause a split. It is also possible for the teams to meet in the Merrillville Sectional, which will be held May 25-30.
The Indians return to the field on Monday as they host Michigan City, while the Vikings travel to Crown Point for a Monday afternoon contest.