WEST BURLINGTON - SCC baseball went 2-2 in the opening weekend in Decatur, MS. The team showed their power at the plate with Michael Farina and Sam Skarich each hitting 2 home runs over the course of the four games. Farina, a freshman shortstop, showcased his power with two long balls in the same game against Southwest Mississippi, while Skarich provided his home runs against Southwestern Illinois and Southwest Mississippi.
The team's success in the opening weekend can be attributed to their strong offensive performance, as well as solid pitching and defense. In 3 of the 4 games, the Blackhawks managed to score 9 or more runs. Key Caleb Wulf recorded 9 hits in 16 at bats for the Blackhawks, including a double and a triple. Wulf currently has a batting average of .563, which is tied for 17th in the country in DII baseball. SCC will look to build on their early success at the plate and continue to improve as the season progresses.
Highlighting the pitching performances from the weekend was freshman Maddux Frese, and sophomore Mason Behn who each earned the win in their starts for the Blackhawks. Frese recorded 7.0 innings pitched in the win against Southwestern Illinois College, and allowed only 2 earned runs on 5 hits. Additionally Frese recorded 7 strikeouts in the win. Behn earned the win in the final game of the weekend against Wallace State Community College-Hanceville. Behn threw 6.0 innings, and allowed no runs on 3 hits. The Blackhawks would shut out Wallace State in this bout, earning their second win of the season.
SCC baseball is looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that the upcoming season will bring. With their culture and consistent efforts in practice, the team is poised for success and ready to make their mark in the DII Region 11 Championship. Be sure to keep an eye on the Blackhawks as they take on the Babe Howard Classic this weekend and throughout the rest of the season.
