NIACC splits pair with Three Rivers CC

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. - The NIACC baseball team split a doubleheader with Three Rivers Community College on Saturday.

Three Rivers CC won the first game 2-1 and NIACC won the second game 6-5.

In the first game, Patrick Pridgen took the loss allowing two hits and two runs in the sixth inning. Pridgen (0-1) struck out a career-high 11 and walked five.

Freshman John Solfest gave NIACC a 1-0 lead in the top of the sixth inning with a solo home run.

Also for the Trojans in game one, Anthony Catalano collected two hits.

In the second game, NIACC scored a single run in the top of the seventh inning to claim the one-run victory. Tyson Tucker pitched a scoreless seventh inning to gain the save for the Trojans.

Cayden Nicoletto gained the win for the Trojans by collecting the final out of the sixth inning.

For NIACC offensively, Gabe Denton and Cole Fuecker both hit home runs and Will Sturek was 2 for 4 with a double and two RBIs. Coby Tweten collected two hits.

NIACC (3-1) returns to action Sunday with a single game against Three Rivers CC.

Notes: Pridgen has 86 career strikeouts ... Denton has 8 career home runs.