VIDALIA — Intensity was the theme of this tournament.

The Vidalia Vikings defeated the Minden Crimson Tide and the Franklin Parish Patriots to conclude the 2008 Vidalia Invitational.

In the first game, defense was the key as there was a combined three runs scored in the first five innings of the 4-2 victory for Vidalia.

The Vikings took the lead back in the bottom of the sixth inning thanks to a double by John Brixey, which scored two runs and gave Vidalia a one run lead.

Following Brixey, Beau Doughty hit another double to score another run for the Vikings.

Minden couldn’t get any offense going in the seventh and Vidalia escaped with the win.

“Minden has a very fine team,” Vidalia head coach Johnny Lee Hoffpauir said. “I was very proud of our defensive effort.”

Seth Thompson picked up the win for the Vikings while Justin Lester was handed the loss for Minden.

Brixey was 1-1 with a double and two RBIs for Vidalia.

Matt Morsan batted 2-3 with a single, a double and an RBI for the Crimson Tide.

Vidalia 6, Franklin Parish 4

Defense played an important role again in the second game for Vidalia as the Vikings narrowly defeated the Franklin Parish Patriots for their second win of the day.

Five runs were scored in the first inning of the game, but the offense slowed down after that and both teams battled down to the end.

Trey Barnes hit a two run double in the bottom of the fourth inning to give the Vikings a two run lead and Vidalia never looked back.

The Vikings retired the side in the fifth and sixth innings and held off the Patriots to take the victory.

“We made the plays that counted,” Hoffpauir said. “I’m very proud of our team.”

Mason Ozburn earned the win for Vidalia while Christian Eaton received the loss for Franklin Parish.

Hunter Martin went 3-3 for Vidalia with three singles and an RBI while Trey Barnes was 1-1 with two walks, a double and two RBIs.

Zack Hughes was 2-3 with two singles and three RBIs for Franklin Parish.

“It was a great tournament this weekend,” Hoffpauir said. “It was a long hard week for me and I want to thank everyone who helped in my absence. Our kids showed class and this is what makes Vidalia so special to me.”