By Justin Ites, The Times-Citizen

Iowa Falls, IA – Entering the bottom of the fifth, Ellsworth Community College held a 3-1 lead over the fourth-ranked team in the nation, but could not close the deal during a nine-inning contest in Burlington.

Southeastern CC entered the game undefeated through 13 games in Region XI play, but were tested by the Panthers before rallying for the 6-3 win. ECC was able to stay in the game despite using eight pitchers in the contest. 

Trailing 3-1, the Blackhawks knotted the game with two runs in the fifth and added the go-ahead run in the sixth. The hosts added two more for insurance in the eighth.

Sam Patton belted a home run and drove in a pair to lead the Panthers offensively. Maddox O'Connor added the other RBI and was 1-3 at the plate.

Drew Drake was the fifth pitcher used by ECC Coach Kirk Clark, and he was saddled with the loss. Drake threw the sixth inning and allowed the fourth Blackhawk run that gave them the lead for good.

The loss dropped ECC to 20-17 overall and 7-9 in the conference. SECC bumped its records to 29-6 and 14-0.

For more Times-Citizen coverage of Ellsworth athletics: https://www.timescitizen.com/sports/ecc