Vikings sweep Norse in MCAC North doubleheader

VIRGINIA—The Minnesota North-Mesabi Range baseball team fell behind early and couldn’t keep up Tuesday in both games of a doubleheader with Minnesota North-Itasca as they fell 22-2 and 10-0.

In the opening loss, Will Bittmann got the start on the mound and was chased out of the game without recording an out. The sophomore gave up 10 runs (nine earned) on six hits and a walk in the top of the first inning.

Landin Heinlen pitched the next two-plus innings, giving up four runs on five hits and three walks. Jaedyn Nova was next in relief, pitching 2.2 innings, giving up eight runs (five earned) on 10 hits and three walks. He struck out two. Aiden Debner pitched the final third of an inning, facing just one batter.

At the plate, Brodie Vining was 1-2 with an RBI. Elijah Mack was 2-2 with a double and two runs scored. Bittmann also recorded a hit.

In the followup game, Vining pitched a six inning, complete game, taking the loss for Mesabi Range. He gave up 10 runs (nine earned) on 12 hits and four walks while striking out one.

At the plate, Vining, Josh Summers, Debner, Hunter Twete, Isaiah Birt and Kenny Randt all collected hits for the Norse but the team couldn’t push anything across home plate.

Mesabi Range (2-28, 1-15 MCAC North) hosts Minnesota North-Vermilion on Saturday for a doubleheader. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.