primed for year’s first matchup|[3/29/05]

It’s not that he doesn’t like one-run games, it’s just Warren Central coach Randy Broome would prefer to come out on top, at least some time soon.

Broome’s WC Vikings carry two streaks they’re none too happy about going into tonight’s Division 6-5A clash with archrival Vicksburg.

The Vikings have lost five straight games since starting out 10-2. Three of the losses have been by a single run, including the last two, an 11-10 loss at No. 1 Oak Grove and 8-7 to Ouachita.

Then there is that other streak, the one with the Gators which has seen WC drop six straight. Five of those decisions have also been by a single run, including both last year (5-4 and 2-1).

“Yeah, that gets old,” Broome said collectively of both streaks. “Three of our last five (losses) have been by a run. They say those kind of games fall on the coach, so I’ll take the blame for them.”

For VHS coach Jamie Creel, the recent success comes down to the bounces.

“When you have five, one-run games, it all boils down to a play here and a play there. They’ve all been battles,” he said Monday.

Both coaches expect another close nail-biter at Viking Field tonight at 7.

“Warren Central’s got a good team and they can swing the bat well,” Creel said.

“We haven’t peaked yet, and this is the biggest one yet. Maybe we can put it all together,” Broome added.

Both teams enter 2-0 in the division with wins over Natchez and Forest Hill. VHS is 12-5 overall.

“We have had our ups and downs in the first half,” Creel said. “But I think we’ve found some ball players in the process.”

A key in the first half success for the Gators has been the improved hitting. After batting just .250 as a team last year, VHS is hitting .280 this spring.

“No question, our hitting has kept us in games,” Creel said.

No Gator has improved more than second baseman Tyler Wells. Last year, Wells barely cracked .200, but this year he’s at .359 with three home runs and 12 RBI.

Steven Price leads the team at .364. Ninth grader Stanton Price is at .333 with a team high 19 RBI. Shortstop Jordan Henry is at .354 while first-year center fielder Gerald Mims is at .316.

WC can counter with four players hitting over. 340. Will Mendrop paces the Vikings at .458. Catcher Ben Koestler is next at .394 followed by Zach Baldrop (.375) and leadoff man Nick Carson (.344).

Creel said his pitching starter will be a game-time decision. Stanton Price has been the most consistent hurler with a 4-1 record and a 1.91 earned run average.

Broome will throw Parker White who is coming off a good effort against one of Louisiana’s best teams in Barbe High out of Lake Charles. White is 4-1 with a 1.75 ERA.

“Parker has pitched great for us but I also think our defense is better when he is on the mound,” Broome said.