Pirates Baseball split their home doubleheader on Thursday with Highland Community College.  NCMC took the opener, a 9-inning game, by the score of 5-2.  The 7-inning back end of the twin bill went to the Scotties 7-4.  The games marked the first home competition of the fall for Coach Hillerman's 2020-21 squad.

Leading the offensive production for the day was sophomore centerfielder Braedyn Brewer.  He went 3-5 with a double and 2 RBI's.  Overall, Highland did a good job of keeping the Pirates offense at bay, surrendering just 9 hits over 16 innings pitched.  NCMC did get its share of free bases, including 15 walks and 1 hit by pitch. 

On the mound, sophomore Keven Franco earned the win in the opener tossing 5 strong innings, allowing just 2 runs.  "Keven has dominant stuff.  He struck out seven batters in his start.  His command left him at times but as the fall season progresses we hope we can tighten that up some more," commented NCMC assistant Ryan Suttenfield.  Franco hit 4 batters and walked another.  Earning the save in the win was Braxton Pennington.  He tossed the final frame, striking out one.

Next action for NCMC will be a road matchup with Missouri Valley College on Saturday.  First pitch is set for 1:00pm.