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Howard College Splits Weekend Action of Conference Series Against Amarillo
The Howard College Hawks took the field Friday for the start of their four-game conference showdown against the Amarillo College Badgers, looking to set the tone early in WJCAC play. While the day started with a tough-luck loss, the Hawks bounced back in a major way to close out the doubleheader in dominant fashion.
Game 1: Late Inning Rally Falls Short
In a tight, low-scoring affair to open the series, the Hawks found themselves locked in a pitchers' duel. Starter James Placke was sharp on the mound, holding Amarillo to just three hits across 6.2 innings while striking out five. He kept the Badgers off the board for five frames before surrendering a two-run homer in the sixth that proved to be the deciding blow.
Howard's offense was limited, but center fielder Isaiah Shivers provided a spark with a solo shot in the fifth to put the Hawks on the board. Despite a strong finish from reliever Wes Cunningham, who came in to shut things down in the seventh, the Hawks couldn't generate the late rally needed, falling 3-1.
Game 2: Hawks Respond in Explosive Fashion
If the first game left the Hawks frustrated, they wasted no time unleashing their offense in the second matchup of the day. Howard erupted for seven runs in the first inning, setting the tone for what would become a dominant 12-3 victory.
Leadoff hitter Sam Distel put on a show, collecting three hits, including a home run and a triple, while driving in two runs and scoring twice. The bats stayed hot throughout, with Christian Gutierrez and Jimmy Dionne each adding two RBIs, while Louis Felix Anderson and Keller Rivers chipped in with clutch extra-base hits.
On the mound, Anthony Marano worked through four innings, allowing three runs, before Tyler Hrin took over and slammed the door with three shutout frames to seal the win.
With the split, the Hawks head into Day 2 of the series looking to build on their offensive explosion and take control of the matchup. If Friday's second game was any indication, Howard College is ready to bring the heat as conference play rolls on.
Howard College Stays Hot, Takes Game 3 Before Amarillo Rallies Late in Game 4
The Howard College Hawks kept their foot on the gas in Saturday's opener, taking down Amarillo College 9-5 to secure another series win. But Amarillo had other plans in Game 4, breaking through late to hand the Hawks their first loss of the weekend with an 11-7 final.
Day 2- Game 3: Hawks Keep Rolling in 9-5 Victory
Howard wasted no time setting the tone, putting up three runs in the first inning and never looking back. The Hawks' offense kept the pressure on, adding runs in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings to keep Amarillo chasing all afternoon.
Louis Felix Anderson continued his hot streak, going 2-for-2 with a double, an RBI, and three runs scored. David Ruesca brought the fireworks with a three-run homer, while Isaiah Shivers added a two-run blast of his own. Christian Gutierrez also chipped in with a pair of RBIs.
On the mound, Samuel Jackson turned in a strong start, striking out two over 5.2 innings while allowing just four earned runs. Chandler Fowler came in to close it out, working the final 1.1 innings to lock down the win.
Game 4: Late Rally Slips Away as Hawks Fall 11-7
The final game of the series turned into a back-and-forth battle, but Amarillo's late-game heroics proved too much for the Hawks to overcome.
Howard struck first, taking a 3-0 lead after three innings, but Amarillo responded with a four-run fifth to grab the momentum. The Hawks clawed back with runs in the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth, but Amarillo's three-run eighth and two-run ninth ultimately sealed the deal.
Jimmy Dionne did his part to keep Howard in the fight, launching two home runs as part of a 3-for-5, three-RBI performance. Keller Rivers also went deep, while David Ruesca and Gavin Speirs drove in runs to keep the offense moving.
Despite a solid start from Ryder Melsa (5.0 IP, 5 ER, 5 K), Amarillo's bats caught fire late against the bullpen. Matthew Dinae and Wes Cunningham combined to allow six runs in the final four innings, with Amarillo capitalizing on timely hits and free passes.
Despite the Game 4 loss, the Hawks walk away with another conference series victory and continue to prove they're a force to be reckoned with in the WJCAC race. The Hawks have taken 14 of their last 17 catching fire at the right time standing at 18-14 overall and 12-4 in conference play. The Hawks will return to action on April 4th in El Paso against El Paso CC.