In Warren Central’s summer baseball season, trying new and different things is what it’s all about.

In Tuesday’s doubleheader with the reigning Class 1A state champion St. Aloysius at Bazinsky Field, the Vikings swung wooden bats and had several players playing in different spots.

“Today we picked up the wooden bat and I think that is something that will help us on down the line,” said second-year Viking coach Josh Abraham.

The Vikings are coming off a 10-20 season, but they advanced to the finals of the Madison Central Regional by beating Starkville in an playoff elimination game. Madison Central later eliminated the Vikings and then went on to claim the 5A state title, beating Petal in two games at Trustmark Park.

Three weeks into their summer program, the Vikings have already played nine of their 22 scheduled games.

“We’re 4-5 after the two we lost today to St. Al. We beat Madison’s junior team twice, we split with Pearl, and lost to Brookhaven,” Abraham said. “We made some mental mistakes in the field, but so did they.

“I think the kid they threw against us (Josh Eargle) threw well. But I also thought Dylan Wooten did a solid job for us. We kept him at 60 pitches because we want to protect their arms and not overthrow this summer.”

The Vikings’ main departure from last season’s team was All-Warren County third baseman Adam Lee, who graduated. Carlos Gonzales, WC’s starting catcher during the season, got some innings at third while Josh Stuckey went behind the plate. Gonzales was back at catcher and made a nifty tag out at the plate to save a run.

Darrick White, who normally patrols center field, opened the second game at shortstop. Beau Wallace, the Vikings’ shortstop, was absent while working with the football team.

“We’re trying some things like playing Carlos at third and other guys out of their normal position because I want them to react to being out of their comfort zone,” Abraham said. “It’s good for them to play different positions, that’s what summer ball should be about.”

Another emphasis this summer is on finding more pitching. Jay Harper emerged as a closer last season but Abraham is looking at possibly making him a starter. He likes what he’s seen so far.

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Contact Jeff Byrd at jbyrd@vicksburgpost.com