SFCC took on Allen County Community College Red Devils from Iola, Kansas, Feb. 22 at Dey Field. SFCC lost the first game 4-1 but won the second 5-2.

Allen County scored a run in the top of the fourth inning. SFCC sophomore Tanner Cantrell launched a solo home run to right-center field to tie the game. The home run was Cantrell's first home run of the season, as well as the team's first. He recorded two of the four hits. The game remained tied until Allen County came up with three runs in the top of the sixth. 

Freshman pitcher Jake McMahill (0-1) started for SFCC. He pitched five innings giving up three runs; two of those were earned and struck out six. 

"The difference in game one was Allen County was able to capitalize on our mistakes," said Head Coach Jud Kindle. "We didn't capitalize on our opportunities that game. Jake did an excellent job on the mound. Connor Pond gave us two innings. I also thought our defense was good." 

SFCC got on the board first in game two, third inning, when freshman catcher Blake Ford hit a double off the left-field fence. Ford moved to third on a bunt from freshman Dalton Zaremba. Freshman Zack Ehlen drove in Zaremba with a double. SFCC scored one more run in the inning and again in the fourth. 

Allen County scored one in the top of the fifth. SFCC answered with two in the bottom of the inning. The Red Devils scored their final run in the top of the sixth. 

Sophomore pitcher Payton Rawlins pitched six innings to pick up the victory. He gave up two runs while scattering three hits and striking out five. Freshman pitcher Josiah Imhoff pitched the seventh to pick up his first save and the first for the team. Ehlen scored twice and had a pair of hits to lead the Roadrunners offense. 

"Allen County made a few mistakes in the field in game two," said Kindle. "We were able to capitalize on them. The pitching and defense was solid for us in this game. Offensively, we were able to do the small things well." 

SFCC traveled to Fort Scott, Kansas, on Feb. 25 to take on Fort Scott Community College. Fort Scott scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning. The Greyhounds pitching staff made the lead stand up winning 3-0. 

Freshman Steven Bradbury recorded both hits for SFCC in game one. Freshman pitcher Chase Plymell (1-1) gave up three runs; two of them were earned runs. He struck out three batters in five innings and was the losing pitcher. 

In game two, the Roadrunners scored a run in the first and second innings and two in the fourth. SFCC tacked on four runs in the fifth and one run in the top of the seventh. Fort Scott fought back to make the score 9-7 in the bottom of the seventh-inning, but SFCC hung on to win 9-7. 

Freshman pitcher Roberto Ramirez (1-0) got his first start for SFCC on the mound pitching six innings, giving up four runs and recording two strikeouts. Cantrell led SFCC offensively with two hits, two RBIs and two runs scored. Ehlen also scored a pair of runs in game two. Freshman Chris De Los Santos hit a home run. Freshman outfielder Jacob Clifton added a pair of hits and scored a run. SFCC improved their record to 3-2 on the season.

David Rohrbach

SFCC Athletics