Sports : Benton defeats Vikings to advance to Sub-State baseball game

Alex Springer pitches in the first inning of the Vikings' game vs. Benton.

Matt DeVries connects with a pitch Monday vs. Benton.

Gunner Tranel reaches to haul in a throw on a bunt play.

Benton Community came to Vinton Monday night, having defeated every team it has played this year – with the exception of a season-opening loss to Class 4A Iowa City West.

The Bobcats (33-7) defeated the Vikings 7-1 to advance to the Substate contest Wednesday in Solon. That game begins at 7 p.m. in Vinton. Benton’s losses all occurred in double headers in which the Bobcats won the other game.

The Vikings (18-24) scored first. Lead-off man Darrin Charlier reached on an error and scored on a single by Gunner Tranel. But the rest of the evening belonged to the Bobcats who scored all seven of their runs in the first three innings. Alez Springer took the loss for the Vikings. Tranel pitched the last three innings, keeping the Bobcats scoreless while striking out five.

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