In the second game of the NJCAA Division II National Championship, the Warriors of East Central Community College played catch-up against Southeastern Iowa, ultimately falling to the Blackhawks, 12-2. 

The Blackhawks wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning, followed by an additional two in the second. However, the Warriors battled back in the bottom of the second inning. Ramie Harrison led off with a solid single, and Cade Hall followed suit, putting two runners on base. Manning Huffman then delivered a hard-hit double to right field, bringing both runners home and narrowing the Blackhawk lead to just three runs, making it 5-2.

Unfortunately for the Warriors, the Blackhawk offense continued to hit in the top of the fourth inning, scoring two more runs on RBI singles. In the top of the fifth, they added five additional runs to their tally. Despite their best efforts, the Warriors could not generate any more runs, resulting in the 12-2 run-rule victory for the Blackhawks after five innings.

Luke Cooley took the mound as the starting pitcher for the Warriors and ultimately suffered the loss. Cooley threw three and two-thirds innings, allowing seven runs while managing to strike out three batters. Dagan Martin, Grant Edwards, and Parker Martin all made appearances in relief but had limited outings. Offensively, Harrison, Huffman, Cade Hall, and Reid Hall were the only Warriors who managed to connect for hits.

Looking ahead, the Warriors now face Frederick Community College from Maryland in an elimination game scheduled for tomorrow, Sunday, May 28th at 10 a.m. To catch the action live, make sure to tune in to njcaa.org/netwerk ($10) or download the CBT Sports app (free) to listen to the game's live broadcast.