The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawks baseball team (2-0) swept its season opener
against Henderson State University’s junior varsity team Monday, notching a 10-9 victory
in game one and winning game two, 4-2.
After allowing four runs over the first two innings, NPC played from behind for the
majority of game one. The Nighthawks chipped away at the deficit with an RBI double
from sophomore third baseman Cameron Tyson (Cullen, Louisiana) in the third inning
and a two-run double from sophomore catcher Jesus Minjarez (Hot Springs) in the fourth
inning.
After the Reddies scored three additional runs in the fifth inning, sophomore second
baseman John Satterfield (Little Rock) responded with an RBI sacrifice fly in the
sixth inning for NPC. Down three runs entering the seventh inning, the Nighthawks
erupted for six runs in the final frame to take the lead, capitalized by a three-run
home run from Minjarez. The Reddies answered with two runs in the bottom of the inning,
but stranded two runners, resulting in NPC’s first win of the season.
Freshman pitcher Isaac House (Mountain Home) picked up the win for the Nighthawks,
holding the Reddies hitless and scoreless while striking out two over one and one-third
innings. Sophomore reliever Jeb Brown (Springdale) recorded the final three outs to
earn the save for NPC. Minjarez finished two-for-four at the plate in the win, including
the three-run home run.
In a lower-scoring pitcher’s duel in game two, Henderson State broke the stalemate
in the bottom of the third inning, taking a 1-0 lead. NPC tied the game in the fifth
inning on a sacrifice fly from sophomore outfielder Josh Beezley (Sydney, Australia).
The Nighthawks took the lead for good in the top of the sixth inning, scoring on a
bases-loaded walk and taking advantage of Reddies errors to plate three total runs.
The Reddies added one last run in the bottom of the sixth inning, but could not rally
back, ending in a series sweep.
Sophomore pitcher Jaden Lewis (Tyler, Texas) earned the win, allowing just one run
on two hits over two innings, striking out three. Beezley, sophomore third baseman
Eli Hutcherson and freshman shortstop Bryson Sellier (Tomball, Texas) each recorded
one hit in the win.
The Nighthawks travel to Eunice, Louisiana this weekend to face No. 3 LSU Eunice.
NPC faces the Bengals Friday, February 3 at 6 p.m. The two teams play a double header
Saturday, February 4, beginning at 2 p.m. and close their four-game series with a
2 p.m. battle Sunday, February 5.
For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit Nighthawks baseball online. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.
Facebook: Nighthawk Athletics
Twitter: @NPC_Nighthawks
Instagram: nighthawkathletics
Snapchat: npnighthawks
