Vacaville, CA — On Wednesday, 4/17 the Vanden JV Vikings travelled to Jepson Middle School to tangle with the Bulldogs from Vacaville High School. The Bulldogs jumped out to a 5-1 lead after the first inning and were able to hold on to that lead for a 7-2 victory. The loss dips the Vikings record to 11-7 overall and 7-4 in MEL play. The first inning was a rough one for the Vikings. In the top of the frame, Mateo Gonzalez gave them a short-lived 1-0 lead with another 2-out RBI double. The Bulldogs would respond right away, plating 5 runs of their own in the bottom of the frame. The Bulldogs would have 6 consecutive batters reach base, including 5 hits in the inning. Thereafter, they would be held without a hit for the remainder of the game by Vanden relief pitchers Caiden Hitchcock and Nolan Moore Brewer. Hitchcock toed the slab to start the 2nd inning and would work 3 1/3 innings of solid relief. He did surrender 2 runs due to issuing 5 walks and 2 hit batters. But between Hitchcock and fellow reliever Brewer, the two held the Bulldogs hitless after the 1st inning. The two freshmen showed great competitive edge and definitely gave the Vikings a chance to win the game. Offensively, the Vikings outhit the Bulldogs 7-5 over the course of the game. They just couldn’t string enough hits together to be productive. Notable performers on offense were Mikalani Saavedra (3 for 3, run scored), Lucky Perez (1 for 2, RBI) and Mateo Gonzalez (1 for 3, double, RBI). The Vikings and Bulldogs square off for the finale of their 3-game series on Friday at home.