NIACC tops Southwestern in home opener, 8-2
MASON CITY - Sam Kwapnioski hit two home runs and drove in six runs to lead the NIACC baseball team to a 8-2 victory over Southwestern Wednesday at Roosevelt Field in the Trojans' home opener.
NIACC scored a single run in the third inning, two runs in the fifth inning, four runs in the sixth inning and one run in the eighth frame.
It was the second time in his career that Kwapnioski has hit two home runs and the six RBIs is a career high. He also homered twice against Ellsworth in the second game of a doubleheader on April 5, 2023.
Also for the Trojans, Alex Matchey collected three hits and Eli Anderson had two hits. Charlie Harms drove in two runs and scored two runs.
Cole Newell (2-2) gained the win in relief for the Trojans. Newell tossed two inning of scoreless relief of starter Ethen Roberts, who allowed one run on three hits with a career-best five strikeouts and two walks.
NIACC (14-21 overall, 6-9 in the ICCAC) returns to action Saturday and Sunday at home with a three-game series against Southeastern. The Saturday twinbill starts at 1 p.m. and the Sunday single game starts at 1 p.m.