Mankato, Minn. – The Vikings defeated conference opponent Presentation in the home opener, which was also the first UMAC contest of the year. After trailing 4-0, the Vikings found their grove to cruise to a 14-6 victory.

Starting pitcher Darin Hendley (Nicollet, Minn./Mankato East) was shaky on the mound in the first inning walking his first batter faced, and then allowing a grand slam later in the inning. Despite the four earned runs in the first, Hendley went on to pitch lights out in the next five innings. He got the win for the Vikings while striking out six batters. Along with some nice pitching, Hendley, hitting third in the line-up, managed four RBIs on two hits.

Garrett Benson (Rochester, Minn./Rochester Mayo) came in to pitch for Hendley in the last three innings. Benson threw four strikeouts and allowed one run on one hit.

Lead off hitter Zach Herd (Gaylord, Minn./Sibley East) recorded three hits in three at bats. Herd also crossed home plate twice. Third baseman Brad Lawson (Belle Plaine, Minn./Dakota County CC) kept his bat hot getting two hits, and batting in two. Lawson also scored two runs.

The Vikings scored six runs in the second to get things started offensively, when Tommy Kramer (Blooming Prairie, Minn./Rochester CC) doubled down the left field line to bat in the first Viking. After Herd was walked to load the bases, Trent Sonnicksen (Blue Earth, Minn./Blue Earth Area) stayed patient to see four balls and walk in another run. Hendley then singled to get his first RBI of the day. Lawson followed up with a double for two more runs batted in. Before the inning ended, catcher Casey Woodside (Albert Lea, Minn./MN-Crookston) singled to advance Lawson home.

The following inning the Vikings scored another six runs. Presentation's pitcher walked four batters in a row at to allow Bethany Lutheran to score. Hendley then singled to left field for two RBI. A pitching change came for the Saints, but later with the bases loaded Travis Fisher (Cedar, Minn. / St. Francis) hit a hard one to left field to record a double and clear the bases for three RBIs. Bethany Lutheran scored two more in the fourth.

The Vikings committed three errors on the day, while the Saints remained clean defensively. Pitching made the difference with Presentation's two pitchers allowing a total of ten walks on the day. Between Hendley and Benson the Vikings allowed just two walks.

Bethany Lutheran will play the Saints again tomorrow at home. The doubleheader is scheduled to start at 12 noon.