The East Central Community College Warriors claimed the No. 1 spot in the current MACCC standings on Wednesday with a pair of wins over the No. 7 nationally ranked Jones College Bobcats. ECCC won the opener 9-2 and earned the sweep with an 8-3 win in game two. With the wins, ECCC moved to 25-13 overall and to 15-2 in MACCC play. Jones fell to 29-8, 14-3.
The Warriors secured a solid 9-2 victory over Jones College, thanks in large part to Mo Little's impressive six RBIs in the opener. The freshman drove in runs on a single in the first inning, followed by two powerful home runs in the fourth and eighth innings, respectively.
The Warriors wasted no time getting on the board, opening up the scoring in the first inning when Little stepped up to the plate and smashed a single on the very first pitch, bringing in a run. The fourth inning saw the Warriors put up an additional three runs.
Brendon Minor was the star on the mound for the Warriors, pitching for five and a third innings and allowing only three hits and two runs, while striking out three. Grant Edwards closed out the game in relief, recording the last 11 outs and earning the save for the Warriors.
On the other side of the field, Walker took the loss for Jones College, lasting just two innings and giving up six hits and four runs.
The Warriors collected 12 hits overall, with Eli Collins, Reid Hall, and Little each contributing multiple hits. Collins stood out, going 4-for-5 at the plate.
ECCC set the tone early in game two when Collins hit a solo homer to lead off the game. The Warriors flexed their offensive prowess by hitting two home runs in the nightcap with Little going yard, yet again, in the sixth inning. ECCC went on to win the game, 8-3.
Luke Cooley earned the victory for the Warriors, delivering an impressive performance on the mound. Cooley allowed only five hits and two runs over six innings, striking out two and walking none. Luis Cano and David Burton came in as relievers and helped close out the game.
Overall, the Warriors had another impressive showing at the dish with 11 hits in the game. Collins, Little, and Leighton Jenkins each had multiple hits for the Warriors. Little and Collins led the team with three hits each.
The Warriors continue MACCC play this Saturday with a home doubleheader against Itawabma Community College. Games are set for 2 and 5 p.m. and will be streamed live at www.eccclive.com/gold.