The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk baseball team (10-18) took one of four games
in its NJCAA Region II series against No. 9 Murray State College last week, avenging
a 6-4 loss with a 5-4 win Thursday and falling, 9-7 and 12-7, respectively, Friday.
Trailing, 5-1, in the series opener, NPC rallied late with a three-run sixth inning,
but could not complete the comeback against the ninth-ranked Aggies. NPC got on the
board in the third inning on an RBI sacrifice fly from sophomore designated hitter
Daeton Bassett (Fountain Lake). In the sixth inning, NPC added runs on an RBI double
from freshman right fielder Pedro Martinez (Cleburne, Texas), an RBI triple from sophomore
second baseman John Satterfield (Little Rock) and an RBI single from sophomore first
baseman Cameron Tyson (Cullen, Louisiana), but could not muster enough offense to
complete the comeback.
Sophomore pitcher Myles Anderson (Houston, Texas) took the loss in game one, allowing
five runs on six hits over six innings with five strikeouts.
NPC outlasted the Aggies late to even the series in game two. Trailing, 1-0, in the
fifth inning, the Nighthawks tied the game on an RBI hit-by-pitch on Tyson. After
Murray State College regained the lead with two home runs in the seventh inning, NPC
answered with four runs in the bottom of the frame to take the lead. An RBI single
from Tyson started the rally, combined with RBI hit-by-pitches on sophomore third
baseman D’Angelo Hinojosa (Houston, Texas) and freshman center fielder Jimbo Batchelor
(Senoia, Georgia) and an RBI single from Bassett to lead National Park College to
victory.
Sophomore pitcher Eli Hutcherson (Cabot) got the start for NPC, allowing four runs
on eight hits through six and one-third innings with four strikeouts. Freshman reliever
Isaac House (Mountain Home) picked up the win in relief, striking out two Aggies over
one and two-thirds innings.
Despite a seven-run fourth inning in Friday’s opener, NPC could not hang onto the
lead, losing a heartbreaker late. Down, 5-0, entering the bottom of the fourth inning,
NPC exploded, offensively, with a two-RBI double from Martinez, an RBI sacrifice fly
from sophomore left fielder Evan Shoffit (Fayetteville), an RBI single from Tyson
and a three-run home run from freshman shortstop Bryson Sellier (Houston, Texas).
The Aggies responded in the sixth inning, however, plating four runs to take the lead
for good.
Sophomore pitcher Jaden Lewis (Tyler, Texas) got the start for NPC, allowing five
runs on three hits over four innings, striking out one.
In the series finale, the Aggies capitalized on an eight-run fifth inning to cruise
to the finish line. Trailing, 3-0, in the third inning, NPC got on the board on a
solo home run from sophomore catcher Jesus Minjarez (Chihuahua, Mexico). After Murray
State College’s big inning, the Nighthawks attempted a rally, plating six runs over
the final three innings. In the fifth inning, Sellier and Tyson hit RBI singles, followed
by a fielder’s choice from Hinojosa. In the seventh inning, Bachelor knocked a two-run
single, followed by an RBI double from freshman catcher Oscar Martinez (Mayaguez,
Puerto Rico), but the Nighthawks could not overcome the deficit in defeat.
Sophomore pitcher Josh Beezley (Sydney, Australia) got the start for NPC, surrendering
four runs on four hits over four innings, striking out three. Sellier and Tyson led
NPC at the plate with two hits apiece in the loss.
NPC continues NJCAA Region II play this weekend with a four-game series against Western
Oklahoma State College at Majestic Park. The Nighthawks and Pioneers play double headers
Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1, beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday’s games will
be streamed live on the Nighthawk Network.
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
