Hawks fall in slugfest to Madison College

ENID, Okla. – The Northeast Community College baseball team didn't have a problem scoring runs on Monday at the NJCAA DII Baseball World Series.

However, the Hawks (35-19) did have a problem giving up runs – 21 in fact – to Madison College, falling 21-14 at David Allen Memorial Ballpark in Enid, Okla.

After a 10-run third inning by Madison, the Hawks were searching for answers. It was only a matter of time before Northeast answered with a 10-run inning of its own.

In the top of the fifth, Drew Smith (Elkhorn, Neb.) got things rolling after a three-run home run. Jayden Sinju (Murray, Utah) stepped up to the plate and added a solo homer, while Christian Dumont (Bellevue, Neb.) was walked, ultimately scoring Bryce Walker (Papillion, Neb.). Moments later, Derek Botaletto (Omaha, Neb.) was hit by a pitch, sending home Cale Hlavac (Omaha, Neb.).

But, the inning was just beginning.

Smith stepped up to the plate for his second-plate appearance in the same inning and belted a grand slam over the left-field wall, sending the Northeast faithful to their feet.

It was Madison that went on to have the last laugh, scoring three runs in the bottom of the fifth to keep the Hawks at bay.

Smith went 4-for-4 at the plate, with nine RBI, two home runs and two runs. He also broke the NJCAA DII World Series single-game RBI record. Botaletto went 3-for-3, with three runs, two RBI, two walks and a double. Dumont was 3-for-4 with four runs, three doubles, two walks and an RBI.

Cam Taylor (Bellevue, Neb.) took the loss, tossing one and one-third of an inning, allowing six earned runs off three hits and walking five.

The Hawks square off with Lincoln Land Community College in an elimination game at 9 a.m. tomorrow at Failing Field on the campus of Northern Oklahoma College-Enid 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.