JOLIET, Ill. -- The North Park baseball team pocketed a shutout victory in Thursday's away matchup with the St. Francis Saints, winning 6-0 behind starting pitcher Sam Jackson's scoreless performance and 13 hits from the Vikings' bats—all of which were singles.  

In his second start for North Park, Jackson opened things up with a quick 1-2-3 inning and then continued to deal clean frames until getting pulled with 2 outs in the bottom of the 7^th. By the end of his 6.2 innings of work, he had only surrendered 5 baserunners (3 hits and 2 walks) while picking up 4 Ks and the win.  

Right before Jackson's departure, NPU's offense came around after a slow start to put up three runs on the board. Justin Swanson set things in motion with a single to left center, eventually advancing to third after two more base hits by Nate Sommerfeld and Bobby Bartlett. With the bags loaded, Rylan Kawakami wore a HBP to earn the Vikings their first run of the game. A fielder's choice followed by a single off the bat of Jim Zay plated NPU's last two runs of the inning.  

The Vikings again scored three runs to extend their lead in the bottom of the 7^th. With the bases again loaded, Jim Zay marked his second RBI of the game with a sacrifice fly to right field. Singles by Alex DiVito and Carlos Martinez followed suit to give NPU a six run cushion headed into the bottom of the 8^th.  

After entering the game for one out in relief of Jackson, Ethan Condit carried the momentum forwards with a 1-2-3 inning to send the game into its final frame. Jackson Neuse then closed things out for North Park in a non-save situation to send the score final at 6-0, marking the Vikings' 5^th win of the season behind a strong performance on the mound and a persistent approach at the plate.  

Condit and Neuse both allowed no hits out of the bullpen, contributing to a combined shutout between them and the winning starter Sam Jackson. Carlos Martinez and Nate Sommerfeld led the Vikings at the dish with 3 hits each while Jim Zay paced the team with 2 RBI. 

What's Next? 

The Vikings are back at it on Sunday afternoon when they head to Wintrust Field in Schaumburg, IL to take on the Dominican Stars. First pitch is set for 1:00 P.M.