Sports : Sophomore Edwards' first HR gives Vikings Game 1 win; team splits with Central

Starting pitcher Carson Struve checks the runner against DeWitt Central in Game 1.

Carson Struve started Game 1 for the Vikings Thursday against DeWitt Central.

Carson Struve makes an out at second and looks to see if there is time to throw to first.

Darrin Charlier picked off a Central runner with this quick move to first base in Game 2.

Darrin Charlier, playing second base in Game 1, takes a throw from the shortstop to get force out

Gunner Tranel reaches to haul in a fly ball in left field.

Gunner Tranel connects for another hit against Central.

Gunner Tranel slides into second for a stolen base as the ball gets past the Central defense...

.... he scored a few minutes later, as the Central cather leaps for a high throw to the plate.

Jake Dyson pitched for the Vikings in Game 1.

Nolan Edwards dives but misses a bloop single in left center against Central.

Nolan Edwards scoops a grounder and prepares to fire to first.

Phillip Close doubled in Game 1 against Central.

A Central runner steals second as the throw is too late.

Taylor Leyden gives the ball and a pep talk to pitcher Carson Struve.

Taylor Leyden came into Game 1 in the seventh to record the save...

...retiring a couple Central batters to preserve the win.

Nolan Edwards hit a two-run, seventh-inning home run to give the Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings a wild 14-13 win against DeWitt Central Thursday evening in Vinton.

The Sabers came back to win another close and wild one, 9-8, scoring the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Central was the home team; the game was originally scheduled to be played at Modern Woodsman Stadium in Davenport, the home of the Quad City River Bandits. Central's field is under renovation, and the team uses other fields for its home contests. But recent rains made that stadium too wet for play Thursday. Officials decided Monday afternoon to move the game to Vinton.

The Vikings travel to Union tonight, where they will play for the first time on the new baseball field on the south edge of La Porte City, on Highway 218.