By Brennan Waldorf
The Broadwater Vikings opened their season last week, April 8, with a home game against Hampton Christian Academy. Due to the pandemic, it was Broadwater’s first time hitting the diamond since May 15, 2019.
The game saw two college pitching prospects go head-to-head, with the Vikings’ Clay Wardius getting the start. Wardius will be attending North Carolina Wesleyan next year and was pitted against David Marshall who is committed to Liberty University for the 2022 season. Wardius pitched the first five innings, allowing three runs including a homerun in the fifth when Marshall hit one over left field. The senior had nine strikeouts against two walks and was relieved by Cole Celli atop the sixth inning. Celli was relieved by Brant Bloxom late in the inning after letting up four scores. Bloxom closed the game out with two strikeouts against one walk.
The Vikings struggled at the plate against Marshall who struck out 12 batters through five innings allowing only two hits. Bloxom went two for four at bat, recording a single and triple. He finished the game with two RBIs. Celli recorded the only other hit for the Vikings with a single in the fourth as the Vikings lost their season opener 7-2. The Vikings will take the field Monday, April 19, at 4:30 p.m., against Isle of Wright on the Chargers’ home field.
