Coach Johnson wins 100 in sweep
| North Park head coach has taken the Vikings from
celler dwellers to confernerence contenders. North Park sports information |
North Park head coach Luke Johnson recorded his 100th career victory as the Vikings shut out Dominican, 9-0. North Park went on to take the nightcap, 5-2.
The Viking baseball program has been reborn under Luke Johnson and his coaching staff. The sixth-year head coach has guided his club from the bottom slot in the league to a team that is competitive with the best the nation has to offeras they have had a five-year track record of consistent improvement.
In Johnson's 100th career win, North Park scored single tallies in the second (a triple by Zach Deutscher drove in Andy Athans), third (Mike Domenick’s sacrifice fly scored Trevor Popp), and fourth (Carrasco’s single brought in Athans), then erupted for a big fifth frame.
Popp and Wade Yunker led off with back-to-back singles, and after a nifty double steal, both rode home on a single by Luis Diaz. Athans doubled – for the third time in the game – and Eric Sousanes walked to set up Angel Carrasco’s grand slam to left.
McGrady baffled the Stars on a pair of singles and three walks while fanning ten to get a well-deserved win. Joel Bonnett finished up on the mound with two innings of one-hit relief.
In the ninth Popp snagged a line drive with two out and two on
to end the game and preserve the shutout.
