Had Warren Central managed to avoid some ill-timed throwing errors, it might have beaten Brandon Tuesday night at Lucy Young Field.

Brandon made use of the three overthrows to score four runs and went on to post a 9-3 win. The loss spoiled the home opener for the Lady Vikes (0-3).

WC starting pitcher Darby Gain and reliever Megan McCullough pitched well, allowing just two earned runs combined over seven innings. Five errors, however, undid their efforts.

Warren Central coach Dana McGivney said her team is still a work in progress.

“It’s going to take some time to make this work,” McGivney said. “We’ve got to get used to people playing in different positions and just have to gel as a team.”

The Lady Vikes were hurt by a preseason injury to shortstop Chasity Hearn. Hearn has developed a cyst on her wrist and might miss the entire season. Krista Cortezie was moved to short while Alexis Patterson, last year’s regular third baseman, is now at catcher.

“You’re always going to miss someone like Sissy (Hearn),” McGivney said. “I thought both Megan (McCullough) and Karley (Hinson) did a good job at third base. We have found a combination we can work there.”

Brandon took an early 5-0 lead as three runs came home on overthrows from third base to home plate. A third throwing error from the pitcher’s circle handed Brandon (2-1) two more runs in the fourth.

The Lady Vikes battled back, scoring three straight runs, and were one hit away from cutting the deficit further with the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the fifth inning. Brandon reliever Amber McBroom came up with two crucial strikeouts to leave the bases loaded and the score at 7-3.

Brandon coach Heidi Hill felt her team should have had a bigger lead.

“We definitely could have played better,” Hill said. “We didn’t hit the ball well. Warren Central was able to get back in it with a couple of big hits.”

Hinson had the biggest hit for WC with a two-run double in the fourth inning. The hit scored Cortezie and Patterson to make it 7-2.

McCullough had a RBI single in the fifth to score Brooke Patterson to make it 7-3.

Brandon scored two runs in the seventh off WC’s fifth error of the game.

McBroom led Brandon with three RBIs off a double and a fielder’s choice. Courtney Holt had three hits and Bree Glenn scored three runs.