The Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) Spartans opened Scenic West Athletic Conference (SWAC) play with a hard-fought series split against the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) in Twin Falls, Idaho, this past weekend. CNCC went 2-2 in the four-game set, claiming victories in games two and three before dropping the finale.
Game 1: CSI 11, CNCC 6
The series opener saw both teams swing the bats well, but a big early push by the Golden Eagles proved too much for the Spartans to overcome. CNCC trailed 6-0 after three innings but rallied to score in four of the final innings. Juan Gonzales drove in two runs, while Michael Deitz and Raul Zapata each added an RBI. Despite the late surge, CSI's balanced offense and patience at the plate (eight walks drawn) secured the 11-6 win.
Game 2: CNCC 8, CSI 6Â
In one of the most exciting games of the season so far, the Spartans came from behind to earn their first conference win. Trailing 4-3 entering the eighth, CNCC exploded for five runs, highlighted by clutch RBI hits from Jake Cook and Jayger Baldwin. Cook had a stellar day at the plate, going 2-for-5 with two RBIs, while Deitz added three hits and an RBI of his own. Reliever Garrett Adams shut the door in the ninth to seal the win.
Game 3: CNCC 5, CSI 3
Backed by a dominant bullpen performance and a four-run sixth inning, the Spartans secured their second win of the weekend. Brent Holdren earned the win on the mound with five strong innings, allowing three runs on six hits. Javier Gaeta led the way offensively with two hits and two RBIs, while CNCC capitalized on CSI miscues to take control of the game late.
Game 4: CSI 10, CNCC 2
CSI evened the series in the finale with an offensive outburst fueled by a five-run third inning and a four-run seventh. The Spartans cut into the lead with two runs in the sixth, thanks to RBI singles by Zapata and Cook, but couldn't keep pace with CSI's firepower. J. Barker went 4-for-5 with four RBIs for the Golden Eagles.
Up Next
With the series split, the Spartans move to 2-2 in SWAC play and 7-22 overall. They return home next weekend to host Salt Lake Community College in another crucial conference matchup.