By Herald staff (Contact) | Austin Daily Herald

Published Saturday, March 21, 2009

The Riverland Community College baseball team wrapped up a week-long stay in Cocoa, Fla. by splitting two games Friday. The Blue Devils beat London, Ontario 4-3 and then fell to Brookedale out of New Jersey, the No. 12 team in the nation, 11-1.

Riverland ends the Florida trip 10-3.

“It was a really good trip,” said Riverland head coach Scott Koenigs. “We had starters out all week with different injuries. We look forward to getting back home.”

Against London, Ontario, Zach Vilietstra smacked a walk-off home run in the bottom of the seventh to break a 3-3 tie and clinch the victory for the Blue Devils. The sophomore went four for four and hit for the cycle.

Ryan Palmer was the winning pitcher.

Against Brookedale, Riverland gave up 11 runs on 13 hits.

"They were just a solid team," coach Koenigs said.

"They hit their spots and their pitching did a nice job."