WHEATON, Ill. -- The Augustana Vikings baseball team couldn't overcome a first inning deficit, falling to the Wheaton Thunder 8-1 on Friday evening. 

Augustana struck first in the opening inning, as Ryan Coon launched a solo home run to give the Vikings an early 1-0 lead. The quick swing gave Augustana early momentum and put pressure on Wheaton heading into the bottom half of the frame. The lead was short-lived, however, as Wheaton responded with four runs in the bottom of the first to take control. The early surge forced the Vikings to play from behind, a deficit the offense was unable to overcome. 

Despite the deficit, the Vikings continued to battle at the plate and finished with five hits on the day. AJ Macak, Kaileb Hackman, Charlie Bergin and Riley Hendren each recorded a hit alongside Coon, with Hendren adding a double and a stolen base as Augustana worked to create opportunities across multiple innings.

On the mound, Chance Carruthers responded with 2.1 strong innings after the forgetable first. He ended the day with five strikeouts before turning things over to the bullpen. Jack Buckalew provided a steady outing in relief, allowing just one earned run over 3.0 innings while striking out two, and Brian Fischer and Sebastian Reyes combined to cover the final three innings.

With the loss, Augustana moves to 14-4 on the season, with an 0-1 start in CCIW action. The Vikings will look to bounce back in Saturday's doubleheader against Wheaton at Swanson Stadium as the program honors their six seniors.