VALHALLA, NY — After briefly falling behind, the Westchester CC Vikings erupted with relentless energy and never looked back, overwhelming Rockland CC in an 11–4 statement victory on Thursday.
Rockland scratched across the game's first run in the top of the third, using patience at the plate as Rosario drew a walk that eventually led to a run. For a moment, the Vikings were on their heels.
That moment didn't last long.
In the bottom half of the inning, Westchester flipped the game with explosive urgency. A wild pitch evened the score, igniting the dugout. Moments later, Jason Jackson(Arlington High School) laced a go-ahead single down the right field line, sending the Vikings surging in front. Then came the dagger—Jackson, reading the defense perfectly, broke for home on a delayed steal and scored. From there, it turned into an offensive showcase.
The Vikings pounded out 16 hits, attacking from top to bottom of the lineup. Oscar Almanzar(Dominican Republic) and Austin Jorgensen(Poughkeepsie, NY/Our Lady Of Lourdes) set the tone with three hits apiece, spraying the ball all over the field. Freddy Heymach(Pawling, NY/Pawling High School) delivered in key moments, driving in a team-high three runs, while John Avellino(New Rochelle, NY/Salesian High School), Jackson, and Mercer Jordan(Beacon, NY/Beacon High School) each added multi-hit performances to keep the pressure constant.
Westchester wasn't just dangerous at the plate—they were aggressive everywhere. The Vikings swiped three bases, took extra bags, and forced Rockland into playing on its heels all afternoon.
On the mound, Robert Keller(Mahopac, NY/Mahopac High School) delivered a gritty and composed start. Working through traffic, the right-hander went six innings, allowing four hits and three runs while striking out three and battling through five walks. When his day was done, Christian Peralta(East Elmhurst,NY/Christ the King) came on in relief to slam the door and secure the victory.
By the final out, the Vikings had turned a tight game into a commanding win, showcasing their depth, speed, and offensive firepower in dominant fashion.
Game 2 of the 4 game series between WCC and the Hawks will take place later today with first pitch slated for 3:30 home at Vikings Field. Come out and support as the Vikings look to move to 2-0 in conference play.
