It took seven years, but Mike Imhof and his Littlefork-Big Falls Vikings finally defeated Kevin Gordon and rival International Falls again.
The Vikings (10-7) crushed the Broncos 10-1 on Monday at Falls High School, giving Imhof bragging rights for the first time since 2003 in the biggest spring sports rivalry in the area.
The Broncos owned a seven-game win streak over the Vikings before Monday.
“So we broke that string,” a smiling Imhof said after the game.
Kristy Horne Dunn pitched out of a couple early jams and picked up the complete-game victory. She allowed only one run (unearned) on six hits with four strikeouts and one walk.
“We pitched inside and she hit her spots all day,” Imhof said.
Horne Dunn admitted the pressure from the rivalry helped her. She even helped herself by finishing with two hits and three RBIs.
“I’m glad we won,” the freshman said.
Courtney Pfeifer and Brooke Millerbernd also had two hits for the Vikings, while Liz Bobst hit a huge 3-run double in the top of the second inning to give the visitors a 4-0 lead. Pfeifer also scored three times and hit a double.
Sydney Gordon struggled for the Broncos (7-8), starting the game off with a walk to Paige DeLack. Gordon gave up all 10 runs (seven earned) on nine hits with three walks and four strikeouts in seven innings.
Olivia King had two hits, Morgan Bruess and Olivia Santee each hit a triple and Shawna Misner scored the lone Bronco run in the bottom of the fifth inning. The lead cut to 4-1 when Misner scored, but the Vikings quickly went to work in the top of the six, taking advantage of a throwing error that allowed Hannah Larson to reach first to lead off the inning. Three out of the next four batters registered hits and the lead quickly swelled to 7-1.
“It helps when you get a lead to hold onto it, instead of giving it back right away,” Imhof said, noting his team’s tendency to struggle on defense.
The Vikings played well defensively Monday and smothered the Broncos when given the opportunity.
Santee lead off the home half of the first inning with a triple, but Horne Dunn got Tori Owen, Gordon and Kara Kennedy out in order — the final two on strikeouts — to get the ball rolling.
Two Broncos got on base with no outs in the second, but Horne Dunn sat down three in a row to hold the Broncos at bay. Horne Dunn sat down seven in a row before Bruess tripled with two outs in the fourth. Jynni Discenza grounded out to end that threat.
The game ended when Gordon flew out to left field.
Game notes
• International Falls still holds an all-time record of 8-6 against the Vikings, dating back to 1999.
• The Section 7AA tournament begins May 25 for International Falls, while the Section 7A tournament begins May 24 for L-BF.
