Nighthawk Baseball Sweeps Eagles
The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk baseball team (4-4-1) swept its home double
header against Arkansas State University-Three Rivers Tuesday, earning up a 5-4 walk-off
victory in the opener, and defeating the Eagles, 2-0, in the finale.
Following a three-run second inning for the Eagles, National Park College was forced
to play catch-up throughout game one. Sophomore left fielder Jimbo Batchelor (Senoia,
Georgia) cut into the deficit in the bottom of the second inning, scoring on a wild
pitch. The Nighthawks repeated history in the bottom of the fourth inning with sophomore
second baseman David Favrot (Shreveport, Louisiana) scoring NPC’s second run of the
game on a wild pitch. The Eagles extended their lead in the top of the fifth inning,
plating a run on a fielder’s choice. With its back against the wall in the final frame,
4-2, NPC’s bats came alive in the bottom of the seventh inning with sophomore pinch
runner Evan Grissom (Mount Pleasant, Texas) scoring on a throwing error and freshman
right fielder Dylan Garcia (Rockwall, Texas) delivering a game-winning two-run single
to complete the comeback.
Freshman pitcher Wesley Campbell (Fountain Lake) got the start for NPC, allowing three
runs on four hits over three innings, striking out two. Freshman lefthander Arthur
Perez entered in relief, giving up one hit over four scoreless innings while striking
out four to earn the win. Garcia led the Nighthawks at the plate, finishing two-for-two
with two RBI and two walks.
A two-run fifth inning proved to be all the Nighthawks needed to achieve victory in
the finale. Amid a pitcher’s duel where hits were scarce, NPC broke the scoreless
stalemate in the fifth inning with an RBI double from sophomore left fielder Pedro
Martinez (Cleburne, Texas). Later in the frame, freshman second baseman Michael McClure
(Double Oak, Texas) drove in Martinez with an RBI single, giving National Park College
its two-run advantage. Behind dominant defense from freshman pitcher Bryan Raitz (Coppell,
Texas) NPC soared to victory, allowing just one hit down the stretch en route to the
series sweep.
Freshman hurler Trace Loeding started the game for NPC, pitching one scoreless inning
with one strikeout. Raitz entered in relief, allowing three hits over six scoreless
innings with eight strikeouts. Martinez led the Nighthawks at the plate, finishing
two-for-two with an RBI and a run scored.
NPC plays host to Southeast Arkansas Community College in a double header Friday,
February 16, beginning at 1 p.m. at Majestic Park in Hot Springs. The games will be
streamed live on the Nighthawk Network.
For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit Nighthawk Athletics online. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.
Facebook: Nighthawk Athletics
Twitter: @NPC_Nighthawks
Instagram: nighthawkathletics
