Northeast baseball dismantles Ellsworth backed by strong offensive effort

IOWA FALLS, Iowa – The Northeast Community College baseball team scored early and often on Saturday, taking two games from Ellsworth Community College, 14-2 and 14-6 in ICCAC action in Iowa Falls, Iowa.

In the first game of the doubleheader, the Hawks (13-11, 4-6 ICCAC) took an early 8-1 lead and never looked back, sparked by a 4-for-4 outing from Derek Botaletto (Omaha, Neb.).

Northeast went on to put up a four spot in the top of the sixth to keep Ellsworth off the scoreboard.

Spencer Weber (Bennington, Neb.) went 2-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, a double and a home run. Christian Dumont (Bellevue, Neb.) was 2-for-3 at the plate, with three runs, two walks, two RBI and a home run. Bryce Walker (Papillion, Neb.) and Cale Hlavac (Omaha, Neb.) finished with two hits, while Jayden Sinju (Murray, Utah) and Drew Smith (Elkhorn, Neb.) each added a homer.

Freshman Cam Taylor (Bellevue, Neb.) cruised on the mound for the Hawks, tossing six innings, allowing an earned run off four hits, while striking out three batters and walk a pair.

The Hawks didn't let off the gas in the final game of the doubleheader. Northeast took a demanding 11-3 lead after five innings and went on to add three runs in the top of the seventh.

Botaletto picked up right where he left off, going 3-for-5 at the plate with five RBI, two runs, a double and a home run. Hlavac added three hits, including a double, while Sinju added four RBI and a homer.

Donovan Warren (Omaha, Neb.), Walker, Dumont and Smith added a double in the win.

Lane Koetter (Grand Junction, Colo.) picked up the win in relief, tossing two and two-thirds innings, giving up two earned runs off three hits. Andrew Altstadt (Columbus, Neb.) pitched two clean innings to hold off the Ellsworth hitters.

The Hawks battle Ellsworth tomorrow in another conference doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. in Iowa Falls.

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.