WNCC baseball splits with Northeastern Colorado

The Western Nebraska Community College responded with some timely hits in game two to earn a split with Northeastern Junior College Saturday afternoon at Cleveland Field.

The Cougars managed just four hits and watched the Plainsmen light up the WNCC pitchers for 18 hits and 12 runs in a 12-1 first game loss. In the second contest, WNCC had six hits and received a superb pitching performance from Sam Diaz to earn the split 3-1.

WNCC is now 11-7 in conference play and still three games out of first place behind Trinidad (16-4). Trinidad and Otero Junior College split a four-game series this weekend.

“We are still trying to hang onto that number two spot right now,” WNCC coach Mike Jones said. “This conference is a battle. Every day you go out there in conference doubleheaders, it is tough. Nobody is going to let up and I think it will just get better. The teams are going to put more and more pressure on each other. It is important for us to keep our composure in these games. That is the biggest thing, to be able to stay under control, keep our heads on straight and play fundamental baseball.”

WNCC had an opportunity to slice Trinidad’s lead to just two games, with an important four-game series against Trinidad coming up at the end of the month. NJC, however, had other ideas as the Plainsmen are battling to stay in the midst of a playoff berth.

“Northeastern did a real good job in game one. They put up 18 hits against us and we didn’t have anything for their left hander. That is twice now that he has pitched real good against us,” Jones said. “But to bounce right back in game two with Sam Diaz giving us a great outing as a starter with some good defense behind him, was good. We were able to rally for some hits there late in the game.”

NJC took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on three hits. WNCC sliced the lead in half in the second inning. Oscar Rodriguez walked and scored on a Rich Miller single.

The Plainsmen came back scoring 10 runs in the fourth through sixth inning to put the game away. NJC had five hits in the big fourth inning, where they scored three runs, including a double by Cory Miller.

NJC then scored one in the fifth, before scoring six in the sixth inning on eight hits, including a double by Nick Nguyen and a triple by Scott Dalrymple to put the game away.

Tim Kupfner suffered the loss, allowing eight hits while striking out one. NJC’s Matt Klein picked up the win, striking out seven and scattering four hits – all singles by four different Cougar batters.

NJC continued rolling offensively in the second game, scoring once in the first inning. Mike Golby led off with a double and scored on a throwing error for the quick 1-0 lead.

WNCC had a prime scoring opportunity to score in the third inning. Trace Marsden led off with a triple to left field. After Josh Parker walked, both runners were stranded.

The Cougars finally opened up offensively, scoring three times on three hits in the fifth inning. Marsden started the rally by getting walked. Then, with two outs, Jason Sloan delivered a clutch single to score Marsden with the tying run. Aurelio Monteagudo and Elvis Garcia followed with back –to-back run-scoring doubles for the 3-1 lead.

Rodil Martinez and Victor Ribio then came in and pitched the sixth and seventh innings to help the Cougars get the win.

Sam Diaz collected the win by going five innings, allowing five hits and striking out two. Diaz threw just 65 pitches before giving way to Martinez in the sixth inning. Martinez allowed two hits and struck out one, while Rubio pitched the seventh inning to get the save.

WNCC pounded out six hits in the contest. Marsden went 2-for-2 with a triple, a walk and a run scored.

WNCC (20-20) will next be in action Monday when they travel to Sterling, Colo., to face Northeastern Junior College in a 9-inning contest beginning at 1 p.m. WNCC will then be at home to face McCook Community College on Wednesday before traveling to Lamar Community College over the weekend for a key four-game series.

“We have to go to their [NJC} place and it is a little tougher to play there sometimes,” Jones said. “We will throw Rodil Martinez and we will have a strong bull pen behind him. We are looking for good things on Monday.”

First Game
NJC 200 316 – 12 18 2
WNCC 010 000 – 1 6 0WP – Klein, LP – Kupfner; 2B – NJC (Miller 2, Nguyen).

Second Game
NJC (15-22) 100 000 0 – 1 8 0
WNCC (20-20) 000 030 x – 3 6 2
WP – Diaz, LP – Ty Cardona; Save – Rubio; 2B – WNCC (Monteagudo, Garcia), NJC (Golby); 3B – WNCC (Marsden).