Red Ravens baseball program dropped their series against Neosho Panthers one game to three and pushes their record to 11-14 overall and 6-10 in conference.
Game 1: CCC 7 Neosho 2 W
Coming off a dominant start against Cowley, sophomore starter Gavin Heltemes took the mound for the Red Ravens in game one. Heltemes was outstanding in his efforts as he threw a complete game (7.0 innings), 7 hits, 2 runs, with a staggering 14 strikeouts against a top 25 team. Heltemes was unbelievably sharp with his repertoire as he was able to expand the zone with all of his pitches, followed by freezing hitters with his fastball.
As dominant as he was, the offense also had guys step up in a big way.
Freshman first baseman Hunter Reed continued his good start, going 3/3. Reed has been a consistent player for head coach Jake Martin both on the field and at the plate.
Freshman DH/1B Jorge Ortiz also had a monster day at the plate. Ortiz would also go 3/3 with 2 runs and 3 RBI.
The freshmen carried the Red Raven offense in game one, while being lifted by their starter, Heltemes.
Game 2: Neosho 16 CCC 5 L
Making his first collegiate start, Hunter McMahon looked to continue the good start lead by Heltemes. McMahon went 4.0 innings pitched, 2 earned runs, while striking out 8. The red shirt freshman is still working his way back from Tommy John surgery and has been progressing every time.
Reed continued his hot day going 2/3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored while playing solid defense at first base.
Sophomore short stop Damon Jorgenson went 2/4 with a run scored as well.
Game 3: Neosho 12 CCC 9
Coming off a split on day one, the Red Ravens sent freshman Quinten "Louisiana" Romero to the mound. The freshman has had a great start to his collegiate career, getting better throughout every start. Facing Neosho, the freshman left handed pitcher didn't skip a beat. The starter went 4.1 innings pitched, 2 earned runs, and 6 strikeouts giving the Red Ravens a great opportunity to take game one.
With one out in the 5th inning, Martin went with one of his top bullpen arms, Trevor Lunkwitz. Lunkwitz came in with a 7-2 lead and gave up 6.
Offensively, the Red Ravens started the game off as well as a team could. Once again, Reed was outstanding. In his first at bat, Reed belted a two run home run over the left field fence. The home run was the first of his career. On the day, Reed went 2/3 with 2 runs scored, and 2 RBI.
Ortiz continued his good series as he went 2/3, 1 run, and 2 RBI with a double.
Sophomore third baseman Tyler Brown came in and had a standout game going, 2/4, 1 run, and 2 RBI including a home run.
While the offense put up the runs, the bullpen couldn't hold the lead as the Red Ravens fell in game three.
Game 4: Neosho 12 CCC 5 L
Looking to find a way to split the series, freshman Aaron Bechtel took the mound. Bechtel went 5.2 innings pitched giving up 11 hits, 4 earned runs, with 3 strikeouts.
Offensively, once again Ortiz had himself a day. Ortiz went 2/4 with a run scored.
Brown had another solid game going 2/5 with 1 RBI, 2 runs scored with a double.
Sophomore outfielder Brooks Robinson went 2/3 with 3 RBI and 1 run scored. The sophomore also had a highlight reel catch. Robinson had an amazing jump on a line drive to left field, reaching over his right shoulder to save two runs.
Weekend Standouts
Gavin Heltemes: 1W, 7.0 IP, 14k, 2R
Hunter Reed: 7/13, 3R, 3 RBI, 1 HR
Jorge Ortiz: 8/14, 4R, 6 RBI, 2 HR
Tyler Brown: 4/9, 3R, 3 RBI, 1 HR