Siuslaw baseball coach Tony Castro points to a doubleheader at Douglas as a turning point in a promising season.

The Vikings host Douglas at 5 p.m. Tuesday (May 3) in their final home game, arguably out of the playoff picture in the Far West League.

"One game we played real good, then we kind of fell apart," Castro said of a twin bill April 15 at Winston. Junior Michael Mason had a strong start in an 8-0 victory in the opener, but the bats went frigid in the nightcap and the Vikings lost 6-0.

"It was very disappointing, because it was a big change for us in the league standings, where we probably could have finished in the league playoffs."

Tuesday's game will be the final home game for seniors Ryan Denning, Scott Gordon, Michael Mason, Caleb Paredes and Kenneth Thrall.

The Vikings, 4-7 in league and 7-12 overall, close out their season with a doubleheader Friday (May 6) at North Bend and a single game Tuesday (May 10) at South Umpqua.

"We're going to struggle, I think, to finish the season, and I don't think we're going to make the playoffs," Castro said. "That's disappointing, because we had our standards and our goals to finish right there."

The early loss of some players, including sophomore pitcher Jake Hickson, who underwent wrist surgery, was an early drag on the team psyche.

"We had a few setbacks early, and I think it bothered the boys a little bit as a team," Castro said. "It took a little bit to take them out of what I call 'The funk.'

"We started bouncing back and getting it together. The problem was getting two (good) games together."

The Vikings had relatively solid pitching, most of which is coming back next season. The defense was a real plus.

"I think we have one of the best defenses in the league," Castro said. "It's just that our offense hasn't cooperated, so we can have both together, which we have to have."

The Vikings will lose their inner diamond of catcher Michael Mason, second baseman Scott Gordon, center fielder Caleb Paredes and shortstop Kenneth Thrall.

Siuslaw's fifth senior, outfielder Ryan Denning, also will be missed.

But Castro will be able to plug and play the corners, sophomore third baseman Jared Brandt and first baseman Brogan Cornish, plus sophomore outfielders Darren Stinnett and Evan Teter.

Mason, freshman Gabe Simington and Hickson should anchor the pitching staff.

"We're in a building phase," Castro said. "In the long run, our pitching will be good (next season) and our position players (defense) will be good.

"I'm looking forward to having a couple of JV guys come up and help us. And it's possible some freshmen coming up will help us. It's a good balance."