The East Central Community College Warriors took down the top-ranked team in the nation, LSU Eunice, with an impressive 8-5 victory in the semi-finals of the NJCAA Region 23 tournament. This defeat marked LSU Eunice's first loss in the entire tournament, leaving East Central as the sole unbeaten team remaining in the field.
The game got off to a slow start with no scoring in the first inning, but it was Cade Hall who electrified the Warriors in the top of the second. With a powerful double to left field, Hall drove in Brady McGee, who had earlier singled in the inning, putting East Central on the scoreboard.
The score remained unchanged until the bottom of the fourth inning when LSU Eunice rallied, scoring two runs courtesy of an RBI double followed by a two-run home run. Heading into the fifth inning, LSU Eunice held a slim one-run advantage.
However, the Warriors quickly retaliated in the top of the fifth. Mo Little grounded into a fielder's choice, bringing Kelby Jordan home to tie the game. The momentum continued as Ramie Harrison delivered a scorching single to right field, resulting in both Eli Collins and Little crossing the plate to give East Central a two-run lead.
LSU Eunice fought back, reclaiming the lead with a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the fifth. Nevertheless, East Central's Cade Hall ignited a comeback in the top of the sixth. Hall led off with a double and eventually scored on a sacrifice fly by Manning Huffman, leveling the score at five runs apiece.
In the eighth inning, Cade Hall demonstrated his prowess once again. Drawing a walk and stealing second base, he was swiftly joined on the bases by his brother, Reid Hall, who reached first on a dropped third strike. A hasty throw to the outfield allowed Cade Hall to dash home, while the ensuing batter, Huffman, delivered an RBI triple off the right-field wall, bringing Reid Hall across the plate. Kelby Jordan sealed the deal with a single to left, scoring Huffman. As the Warriors entered the bottom of the eighth, they held a comfortable 8-5 lead.
Pitcher Luis Cano took the mound for the Warriors in the top of the ninth and showed his composure as he struck out, flew out, and induced a ground out to retire the side. Cano's stellar performance secured the decisive 8-5 win for the Warriors.
Contributing to the Warriors' offensive onslaught were standout players Cade Hall, Ramee Harrison, Kelby Jordan, and Brady McGee, all of whom tallied two hits apiece. Notably, Harrison and Hall both recorded extra-base hits. Harrison and Huffman led the team with two RBIs each, showcasing their offensive prowess.
On the pitching front, the Warriors showcased a strong rotation, with Brendon Minor, Carson Ellis, and Andrew Yuratich delivering strong outings before Cano sealed the deal in the ninth inning.
With the victory, the East Central Community College Warriors will now face the winner of the Pearl River/LSU Eunice game on Thursday, May 18 at 3 PM in the NJCAA Region 23 championship.