Warren Central played the game of baseball and not the name on its opponent’s jersey in its 5-4 win against Northwest Rankin Saturday.

Tyler Vroman walked away with game-highs of three hits, two walks and two RBIs for Warren Central (2-0). Northwest Rankin (1-1) recorded 10 hits and committed four errors while the Vikings finished with five hits and one error.

Both teams ended the first two innings scoreless, which is what Warren Central coach Conner Douglas expected.

“They had a chance to score but couldn’t produce. So did we,” Douglas said. “We know what was going to happen when both teams No.1 arms are on the mound. We knew we were going to fight and claw to get any runs.”

Warren Central scored four runs in the third and held Northwest Rankin to two.

“(We got) a big hit and got runners to second and third. Conner Wilkinson was on third Brooks (Boolos) was on second. Tyler Vroman got a line drive up the middle and got two runs,” Douglas said.

The Cougars did make a late game comeback in the seventh inning and outscored the Vikings 2-1.

“They made a good run at it, they had a couple of hits and scored a run,” Douglas said.

At the bottom of the seventh-inning Tyler Vroman got a single and two outs. The pitcher tried to pick off Shockey Shaw, but had a bad throw that went from first to third.

“We walked off with an error,” Douglas said.

While still early in the season, beating a powerhouse team in Northwest Rankin gives the Vikings something to smile about and hang their heads on.

“It gives us a lot of confidence,” Douglas said. “We feel like the way we’re playing, we’re right up there with those teams.”