Sports : Leyden has complete game as V-S sweeps Marion, 6-2 and 10-7

Coach Jim Struve talks offense with Clint Ferguson, Carson Struve and Matt DeVries vs. Marion.

After an early pickoff of a Marion runner, pitcher Taylor Leyden kept Indian base runners honest.

An Indian dives back after another pickoff attempt.

Gunner Tranel takes a ball in the dirt against Marion Wednesday in Vinton.

Junior Kody Seaton started Game 2 for the Vikings against Marion.

Sophomore Bryce Burroughs was winning pitcher in nightcap of Marion double-header.

Taylor Leyden pitched a complete game for the Vikings as V-S defeated Marion 6-2 in Game 1.

Taylor Leyden has been the Vikings team leader for Vinton-Shellsburg this baseball season. He leads the cheering in the dugout, and keeps the pitchers motivated as he plays third base and leads off.

But on Wednesday evening, Leyden led the Vikings in a new way, with his pitching arm. He pitched a complete game for the home team as the Vikings defeated Marion, 6-2.

Leyden's pitching was supported by solid Viking defense.

"Keep doing what you're doing," Leyden told his team as he stood at the mound as the sixth inning was beginning.

Leyden helped his own cause defensely, as he picked off a Marion runner from first base early in the game.

"That was quick -- real quick -- said a Marion coach after the pickoff. The rest of the game, Leyden kept Indian base runners honest -- and not too many steps away from the base.

Leyden also scored a big run for the home team, reaching first on a bunt single and scoring on a hit by Clint Ferguson. That led to a three run-fifth inning that gave Leyden and the Vikings all the runs they would need to win.

Game 2: Vikings 10, Indians 7

Repeating their come-from behind win at Mount Vernon, the Vikings added another comeback win in Game 2, falling behind 7-2 -- the same margin as at Mount Vernon.

But they scored four runs in each the fifth and sixth innings.

Sophomore pitcher Bryce Burroughs came on in the sixth inning, relieving starter Kody Seaton, for the win.

Burroughs held the Indians scoreless in the sixth. In the seventh, the first Indian batter flied out. The next reached on a single. The next guy bounced into a double play to secure the 10-7 win.

"We're the top team in our conference," Coach Jim Struve told his team Wednesday night.

The Vikings travel to Williamsburg tonight and then to Benton Community on Friday.