May 4, 2007

The Northeastern Junior College baseball team split a doubleheader with Trinidad on Friday. NJC moved to 24-23 overall and 13-15 in Region IX play.

The Plainsmen dropped the first game, 4-2, after leading 2-0 going into the sixth inning. NJC returned the favor in the second game, taking a 4-2 decision from the Trojans.

In the first game, NJC starting pitcher Derrick Townsend baffled Trinidad for five scoreless innings. But the sophomore from Baton Rouge ran into trouble in the bottom of the sixth when he allowed two singles to start the inning.

Trinidad scored four in the sixth off Townsend and reliever Justin Sortino to seal the game.

Laramie, Wyo., sophomore Mike Mendenhall led Northeastern at the plate with three hits and a run scored.

Laramie freshman Josh Warren along with Jeff Squier and Colton Williams had two hits apiece in the game.

The Plainsmen jumped ahead in the top of the fourth inning when Denver freshman Rhett Welsh hit his first home run of the season.

With the score tied at two, NJC scored two runs in the seventh inning to win. Welsh walked to start the inning and Gus Velazquez followed with a single. After a sacrifice bunt by Williams, Omaha sophomore Langston Frison singled in the winning runs.

NJC freshman James Quisenberry picked up his sixth win of the season on the mound. The 6-7 lefty surrendered just two runs in six innings of work. Loveland freshman Danny Brock relieved Quisenberry in the seventh to record the save.

The Plainsmen take on Trinidad Saturday in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. NJC returns to Sterling on Sunday for a noon doubleheader against Colorado State University-Club.