The North Central Missouri College baseball team made a huge early-season statement over the weekend, traveling to Three Rivers Community College and sweeping a four-game series against the Raiders. The wins push North Central’s record to 5-3 on the spring, and 4-0 in Region 16 play.
In Saturday’s opening game, Kylan Easley fired five effective innings at TRCC to gain the victory. Terrance Goeloe had a three-run home run to cap off a five-run first inning for North Central, while Connor Quicky and Enrique Madera both had a pair of base hits in the win.
In Game 2 on Saturday, the Pirates won 8-5, with Wade Phillips going six inning in the win. Supporting the Pirates freshman hurler was a five-run top of the 5th inning, including a two-run double from Quinsley Balentien.
Brenden Garza, Wyatt Thomas, and Bo McSpadden combined to slam the door for the Pirate bullpen, holding off a late Three Rivers surge.
Sunday afternoon’s first game featured the best pitching performance of the weekend, as Blake Collister scattered three hits in a 5-0 shutout victory. Balentien had a pair of RBI’s, while Madera stole three bases for the Pirates.
The sweep of the series was completed with a 10-7 victory. The Pirates dominated early, leading 8-0 after 3 1/2 innings, but had to sweat late, with the Raiders scoring five runs over the 6th and 7th frames.
McSpadden picked up the save for the Pirate bullpen, earning the victory for Trae Brownell. Connor Quick had three hits and scored twice for the Pirates.
The Pirates will continue Region 16 play on Thursday afternoon, welcoming St. Louis Community College to Burleigh Grimes Field. First pitch for the doubleheader between the Archers and Pirates is set for 1 o’clock.
