The NCMC Pirates went on the road Thursday to take on Southwestern Illinois Community College in Belleville, IL. The first game of the doubleheader went to the Pirates by a score of 13-3. Game two had the opposite outcome, with the Blue Storm getting the win 12-2. The Pirates are now 17-20 on the year.
The opener was highlighted by consistent offensive production for the Pirates, who scored in every inning. Leading the way was freshman Enrique Madera, 4-5 in the game, who capped off a five run 5th inning with a grand slam. It was a big game for freshman Curtis Mitchell as well, going 3-4 with 4 runs scored. The Pirates totaled 20 hits in the contest. "We had really good at-bats consistently through the first game. It was a whole team effort," commented Coach Hillerman.
On the mound, sophomore Kylan Easley set the tone pitching 5 strong innings for the win. Freshman Trae Brownell, normally a starter, came in for the final 2 innings to finish the game. The two combined for 7 strikeouts and no walks. "Our pitchers threw strikes and kept the ball down. Not allowing any free passes normally leads to success," remarked Coach Suttenfield.
Game two went the opposite direction for the Pirates. Defensive miscues and poor at-bats doomed the Pirates in the run-rule defeat. "We just did not keep focus in the second game. It was disappointing because of how well we competed in the first game," detailed Hillerman.
The Pirates take on Wentworth Military Academy on Friday before getting a few days off for Easter. Those games are set for a 1:00pm start at Burleigh Grimes.
