The Western Nebraska Community College baseball team had their backs to the wall in qualifying for the Region IX playoffs. But, after taking three of four from Trinidad State Junior College this weekend, the Cougars find themselves in the Region IX playoffs that begin this weekend.
That was assured on Sunday when the Cougars split a doubleheader with the Trojans winning the first game 5-0 before falling 4-0 in the second game.
Because the team is certain of the No. 4 seed and Lamar Community College is a solid No. 1 seed, the WNCC and Lamar baseball game on Monday will be one 9-inning game instead of the regular seven-inning doubleheader. First pitch for the Cougars final home game of the year is set for 1 p.m. at Cleveland Field.
In the opening game, the Cougars managed just two hits, but it was a four-run fifth inning that was highlighted by walks and hit batsman that gave the Cougars the victory. Up until the fourth, both pitchers were locked in a pitchers dual. WNCC's Jeff Schmitt had a complete game with a three-hitter against the Trojans, but Trinidad's Jake Johnson was also rolling along with a 2-hitter until the fifth when the wheels fell off. It all started with Benly Ramos singling to center field. After that, the Cougars worked the count for five straight walks or hit batsman to scored three runs. Kevin Sanford scored the fourth run on a sacrifice fly by Nelson Quintero for the 4-0 lead.
That was all the Cougars need as Schmitt was sensational on the hill. Schmitt walked just one and struck out three in the win.
Offensively, the Cougars only two hits came off the bats from Ramos and Jake Montoya.
WNCC was a little better offensively in the second game, managing four hits, but the big problem was the outs were hit right to the Trinidad defense and the Cougars never really got things uncorked.
Trinidad scored its first run in the third and then added two more each in the fourth and fifth inning.
Terry McNabb took the loss, going five innings and giving up nine hits, five runs while striking out three. John Bravard threw the last two innings, striking out two and not allowing a hit.
Offensively, Quintero led the team with a 2-for-3 game. Sanford had the only extra base hit on the day with a double.
After Monday's regular season finale, WNCC and Lamar will face each other in the first round of the regional playoffs on Saturday and Sunday in Lamar, Colo.
First Game
Trinidad 000 000 0 -- 0 3 0
WNCC 000 040 x -- 4 2 3
WP -- Jeff Schmitt, LP -- Jake Johnson.
Second Game
Trinidaid 001 220 0 -- 5 9 1
WNCC (18-30) 000 000 0 -- 0 4 2
WP -- LP -- Terry McNabb; Nick Gomez' 2B -- Kevin Sanford.
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