After sealing the deal on three comeback victories this past week, Vidalia High School rolled into its LHSAA Class 3A first round playoff game against Westlake Monday night ready to do whatever it took to win.

The Rams, however, put on a special performance of their own to shut out the Vikings, 5-0.

“We didn’t do the little things tonight, and we didn’t execute on offense or defense,” Vidalia coach Mike Norris said. “They competed until the end, but we just didn’t have enough magic today.”

After a scoreless first two innings, Westlake pounded three hits in the top of the third, including two doubles, giving it a 2-0 lead. The Vikings struggled to stop the offensive spark, with each hit coming on a ground ball to center field.

Vidalia (18-12) also faltered from Westlake’s strong base running, giving up four stolen bases.

Sophomore Tristan Weatherly took the loss for Vidalia, pitching all seven innings.

“They did a good job when they got runners on,” Norris said. “You give up six hits the other guys have to help, but (Weatherly) would take the ball again tomorrow if he had to.”

The Vikings, on the other hand, stuttered with bringing home its hits, despite totaling seven on the night.

Cam Rodgers led the effort, batting 2-for-3, including a ground ball double to right field on his first at bat.

Also ending the night with a hit were Weatherly, Christian Fort, Tanner Jenkins, Dom Harveston and Nick Melton.

The Rams finished the game with six hits.

Norris, who in his first year at Vidalia, said although his team couldn’t keep up its momentum, he is still content with their overall determination and improvement.

Vidalia earned its first home playoff game since 2009, after finishing last season at an even 12-12.

“We didn’t win, but to have the stands full and stay until the end is a big thing for our kids to see,” Norris said. “The team that played this last week was way better than the team that played the first two weeks.”

The Vikings will lose just one senior next season, and will also drop down to Class 2A.

“The competition is still good (in the ne district),” Norris said. “These guys have a lot of varsity experience under their belt, and I think they are ready for the challenge. I can’t say enough about our guys, and I’m proud of the way they fought throughout the season.”