North Central Missouri College (NCMC) Baseball wrapped up its fall slate Thursday with a convincing road sweep over Metropolitan Community College, 5-2 and 6-2.
The team’s exhibition season record stood at 12-6 overall, showcasing great promise for the upcoming spring season. Fall games featured matchups against diverse opponents, including NCAA Division II, NAIA, NJCAA teams, elite travel ball organizations and the NCMC alumni.
Freshman outfielder Javier Suarez led NCMC’s offense with a stellar .548 batting average. Batting primarily from the leadoff position, Suarez also topped the team with 15 runs scored.
Sophomore catcher Cesar Grau hit a team-high two home runs with a .327 batting average, knocking in 13 runs, tied with sophomore Jordi Ventura for the team’s highest RBI mark.
Freshman shortstop Eduardo Chourio posted a .421 average and made several impressive defensive plays.
Sophomores Wilmer Jimenez (.368 avg., 12 runs, 8 RBIs) and Shodai Nishihara (.351 avg., 6 runs) also provided significant contributions.
Despite success and solid team numbers, injuries hindered the Pirates’ full offensive potential. Key contributors Julio Guerrero and Alejandro Paz saw limited at-bats due to lingering injuries.
The Pirates’ pitching staff boasted a 3.54 ERA across 157.2 innings pitched. Potential starters Endrick Reyes (1.13 ERA), Graden Hammond (1.64 ERA) and Jose Calcano (1.64 ERA) led the staff.
Pitching depth is anticipated to be a strength come spring, with each pitcher embracing the team philosophy of throwing strikes and relying on defense.
The team fielded .934 this fall, boasting excellent athletes across all positions.
