By Justin Ites
Ellsworth Community College - led by first year head coach Reese Anderson - won Friday's first game by a 20-15 final, but dropped games two and three by scores of 13-3 and 20-5 versus Southeastern Community College.
As conditions reached 80 degrees on Saturday, the bats came alive for the Blackhawks as the visitors exploded for a combined 33 runs to claim the series by a 2-1 count. Through three games, SECC plated 48 runs.
That series result left ECC with an overall record of 9-16 and 1-2 in Region XI.
During the opening game on Friday, the Panthers put together a 12-run fourth inning to take a 13-1 lead. But they had to survived a big-time rally by SECC (14-8, 2-1) to win the game, 20-15. ECC's pitching staff struggled with control, as six players combined to issue 10 free passes in the game. By comparison, the staff only struck out five batters.
Offensively, Lucas Bruhl drove in six runs with a homer as part of his two-hit game. Gavin Doll was 3-5 with a home run and four runs knocked in. Adding three hit games were Dillon Carlson and Aidan Martin. The latter also drove in a trio of runs.
Saturday's opener was tied 3-3 after two innings, but the Blackhawks took the lead with a run in the third, four in the fourth and five in the fifth to end the contest after five innings, 13-3.
Starting pitcher James Tounsley was saddled with the loss, as he threw the first four innings. He allowed five hits and all eight of his runs allowed were earned.
At the plate, Jordan Rowe was 303 and Logan Bailey added a two-hit game for the hosts.
Control woes seeped into game three, as eight ECC pitchers combined to walk nine while striking out just seven. The Panthers actually led the contest 3-0 after one frame, but SECC produced big offensive innings in the third, fourth, sixth and seventh frames to cruise to a 20-5 victory.
Eric McGill and Dylan Phelps both homered in the loss and each drove in a pair of runs for the Panthers.
ECC is scheduled to host NIACC for one solo game on Wednesday, with first pitch set for 1 p.m.
