Hawks split with NIACC in Yankton

YANKTON, S.D. – The Northeast Community College baseball team opened its conference portion of the 2019 season on Monday, taking the final game of the day 7-4 against North Iowa Area Community College, after dropping the first game of the doubleheader 4-0 at Bob Tereshinski Field in Yankton, S.D.

NIACC kept the Hawks' bats quiet, allowing just one hit throughout the seven-inning affair. Jackson Tingwald (Ralston, Neb.) picked up the lone hit for the Hawks (8-6, 1-1 ICCAC). Justin Hilton (Lincoln, Neb.) took the loss on the mound, tossing seven innings, allowing three earned runs off four hits, while walking four and striking out four batters.

The final game of the day was a different story for Northeast.

NIACC cruised to a 3-1 lead after three innings, but the Hawks wouldn't go down without a fight, putting up a four spot in the bottom of the fourth. The Hawks added two insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth.

Shortstop Derek Botaletto (Omaha, Neb.) went 2-for-3 at the plate, adding two runs, a double, an RBI and a walk. Mills Macek (Blair, Neb.) was 1-for-3 with two RBI, while Tanner Hunt (Elkhorn, Neb.) and Drew Smith (Elkhorn, Neb.) both went 1-for-1 with four walks.

Andrew Altstadt (Columbus, Neb.) picked up his first win, tossing one and one-third innings, allowing two hits and striking out two. Lane Koetter (Grand Junction, Colo.) had another dominant performance on the mound, throwing four innings in relief, allowing just two hits, while walking two and striking out four.

The Hawks return to action tomorrow at 11 a.m. for another doubleheader against NIACC in Yankton.

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.