The Vikings (29-20) took on #18 ranked Union University (42-16) following their 7-2 loss in the first game of the 2010 NAIA Baseball Championship Opening Round. Union University lost to Jamestown (ND) in the opening round game on Tuesday to move into the elimination game on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.
Union University took complete control of the game in the top half of the first inning scoring five times on four hits. The Vikings starting pitcher Austin Denny loaded the bases with one out in the first inning. With the bases loaded, Denny struck out the Bulldogs' Alex Turner looking to gain the second of the inning.
After winning the Midwest Collegiate Conference Tournament Championship last week, the Grand View Vikings advanced to the 2010 NAIA Baseball Championship Opening Round Group Five Tournament in Oklahoma City. The Vikings drew the Raiders of Northwestern College (Iowa) in the first game of the opening round tournament at Jim Wade Stadium. The Raiders advanced to the tournament after defeating Hastings in the GPAC Tournament.
The Vikings gave up 11 hits to Northwestern, seven of which came in the first three innings, en route to a 7-2 loss. Grand View was able to get nine hits against the Raiders but were unable to capitalize on their scoring opportunities early in the game. Northwestern'ssophomore Mike Zoellner, a second-team all-GPAC selection, went the distance against the Vikings.
Grand View went down in order in the top of the first inning and the Raiders came out swinging early. The first three Northwestern batters reached, loading the bases for senior Curt Bomgaars. Bomgaars flew out to center field, allowing the first run to cross home plate for Northwestern. The next two Raider hitters were able to drive in runs, giving them an early 3-0 lead on the Vikings.
Junior Austin Denny (Johnston, Iowa) was selected as the MCC Pitcher of the Week. Denny threw a complete game and allowed six hits and one run to get the win in the MCC Tournament championship game against Iowa Wesleyan.
Senior outfielder Cory Burnes (Tama, Iowa) was picked as the MCC Player of the Week. Burnes had four hits and two runs scored over the final two games of the MCC Tournament which gave GV an automatic berth to the NAIA National Baseball Championships.
Tuesday's Grand View national tournament baseball game vs. Northwestern will air live on 94.1 KGVC and www.gvcradio.com Should GV win and play Oklahoma City Tuesday evening at 6 p.m., they game will air on 88.1 KDPS and www.kdpsradio.com If GV loses Tuesday morning and play Wednesday at 11 a.m., the game will air on 94.1 KGVC and www.gvcradio.com
Sixth-ranked OCU, 18th-ranked Union (Tenn.), Jamestown (N.D.), Grand View (Iowa) and Northwestern (Iowa) make up the field in the double-elimination tournament.
The No. 1 seed Stars (46-14) boast of first-team all-Sooner Athletic Conference catcher Chad Carman, third baseman Steve Vitale and pitcher Dustin Williams. OCU comes off winning the SAC Tournament championship.
