MOUNT BERRY, Ga. - The perfect storm is brewing for Head Coach David Beasley and his talented Vikings, as they set their sights on an SAA Title with a three-seed headed into the SAA Tournament at AdventHealth Stadium.
The SAA's Athlete of the Year and the SAA Golden Glove belong to the Vikings heading into the tournament. Riley Uhls earned SAA Athlete of the Year after dominating the batter's box as the leader in the conference in hits and RBI. Garrett Lang proved himself once again this season as a shutdown shortstop. This season, Lang had 128 assists and 53 putouts.
The Vikings are set to take on the #6 seed Sewanee Tigers in the opening round. The opening series will be no cake walk despite the Vikings holding the superior seed. In their three-game series in late March, Sewanee took 2 out of 3 against the Vikings at William R. Bowdoin. The Tigers are looking to get back on track after losing 2 of 3 to Oglethorpe this past weekend.
Berry is red hot at the right time as they are winners of seven in a row, including 3-game sweeps of Millsaps and the #2 seeded Rhodes Lynx. As a team, the Vikings are batting well over .300 and have picked it up on the defensive side, giving up under 4 runs per game within the 7-game win streak.
The Viking offense features premium production from its third baseman Riley Uhls, catcher Austin Jetmore, and brothers Chase and Chance Edmonds. Other plus .300 batters include Tanaka Mukono and Charles Pulaski, who have generated big plays this season as well.
On the defensive side, Garrett Lang is a name to watch out for as he has solidified himself as a shutdown shortstop on the left side of the infield. Outfielders like Mukono, Pulaski, and Chaz Moore will be tasked with making game-changing plays as well.
On the mound, Cam Welsh has been phenomenal. He boasts a 3.44 ERA and has slung 36 strikeouts, leading the club in both categories. Behind him are stellar freshmen arms, JohnMark Christopher and Eric Fountain. Both have had quality starts this season and are sure to be go-to's for head coach David Beasley throughout the tournament.
