Walker, Smith lift Hawks to first-ever NJCAA DII Baseball World Series win
ENID, Okla. – Bryce Walker (Papillion, Neb.) and Drew Smith (Elkhorn, Neb.) went a combined 8-for-8 at the plate as the Northeast Community College baseball team topped Monroe Community College, 13-12 in the NJCAA DII Baseball World Series Opening Round on Sunday at David Allen Memorial Ballpark in Enid, Okla.
ENID, Okla. – Bryce Walker (Papillion, Neb.) and Drew Smith (Elkhorn, Neb.) went a combined 8-for-8 at the plate as the Northeast Community College baseball team topped Monroe Community College, 13-12 in the NJCAA DII Baseball World Series Opening Round on Sunday at David Allen Memorial Ballpark in Enid, Okla.
It was a high-scoring affair as both teams traded runs throughout the game. The Hawks (35-18) held on to a 7-4 lead until Monroe added four runs in the top of the third and took an 11-9 lead until the eighth inning.
In the bottom of the eighth, the Hawks pushed across four runs, sparked by a Donovan Warren (Omaha, Neb.) single. Derek Botaletto (Omaha, Neb.) and Smith followed with back-to-back singles that ultimately sealed the victory for the Hawks.
Walker added four RBI and two runs to go along with his four-hit performance, while Smith had four runs, three RBI and a home run.
Dylan Nicholson (Papillion, Neb.) came up big for the Hawks in relief, tossing three innings, allowing no earned runs and just two hits.
Alex Potter (Parker, Colo.) closed the door to grab the save in the top of the ninth, giving up a hit and an earned run.
The Hawks battle Madison College at 1 p.m., tomorrow in Enid.
For all news related to Northeast Community College athletics, visit northeasthawks.com for complete coverage. Fans can also follow the Hawks on Twitter @NortheastHawks for game-day coverage.