Vikings Win Back and Forth Slugfest vs Rockland
Valhalla, NY - In a game that felt more like a heavyweight fight than a baseball contest, Westchester CC outlasted Rockland CC in a back-and-forth slugfest, erupting for six runs in the eighth inning to secure a thrilling 17–13 victory on Friday.
The fireworks started early.
Rockland struck first in the opening inning when Rosario delivered an RBI single to put the visitors on the board. But the Vikings responded with authority in the second, unleashing a six-run outburst that completely flipped the game. Five hits fueled the rally, with Austin Jorgensen(Poughkeepsie, NY/Our Lady of Lourdes) delivering the biggest swing—a two-run single that energized the dugout and gave Westchester a commanding 6–1 lead.
As it turned out, no lead was safe.
Rockland stormed back in the fourth inning, stringing together timely hits from Bautista and Barbosa to reclaim a 7–6 advantage and swing the momentum once again. The game quickly turned into a track meet, with both offenses refusing to let up.
Freddy Heymach(Pawling, NY/Pawling High School) answered in the fifth, lining an RBI single down the left field line to even the score at 8–8. An inning later, the Vikings briefly regained control as Chris Echols(Somers, NY/John F. Kennedy Preparatory School) ripped a double down the right field line and Brandon Davis(Danbury, CT/Danbury High School) followed with an RBI single, pushing Westchester ahead 10–8.
But the seesaw battle continued.
Rockland surged back in the seventh, capitalizing on Murphy's two-run double and a passed ball to jump back in front, 11–10. Once again, Westchester refused to blink—Oscar Almanzar(Dominican Republic) stayed red hot and delivered a clutch RBI single in the bottom half to tie the game at 11–11.
The tension only escalated in the eighth.
Rockland struck for two more runs on hits by Hayward and #50, grabbing a 13–11 lead and putting the pressure squarely on the Vikings.
What followed was the defining moment of the game.
Westchester erupted in the bottom of the eighth, sending the lineup around and plating six runs on five hits in a decisive rally. Once again Jorgensen delivered the knockout blow, battling through an 0–2 count before lining a two-run single that put the Vikings in front for good, 17–13.
On the mound, Tyler Senft(Greenwich got the start for Westchester, allowing five runs (two earned) over 2.1 innings. Rockland's Reynolds was tagged early, surrendering eight runs (six earned) across four innings of work. Out of the bullpen, Peralta provided a crucial shutdown inning for the Vikings, holding Rockland hitless while striking out one.
At the plate, Westchester's offense was relentless. The Vikings pounded out 19 hits, with Almanzar, Mercer Jordan(Beacon, NY/Beacon High School), and Heymach each collecting three. Jorgensen and Heymach led the charge with three RBIs apiece, while Echols, Adriel Rodriguez(Yonkers, NY/Saunders High School), and Davis added multi-hit performances. Westchester also turned a key double play to aid the effort.
In a game defined by constant momentum swings and offensive firepower, the Vikings delivered the final—and loudest—statement.
This matchup against the defending Region 15 Champions continues today as the series shifts over to Rockland County for a double header in Suffern, NY. First pitch of game 1 will be at 12:00 PM and game 2 will follow shortly after. Go out and support your Vikings as they look to win the season series today against Rockland!!
