Western Nevada College Baseball hosted Sierra College Wolverines of Rocklin, Calif., Tuesday, for their first home game of the 2015 season. The Wildcats improved to 9-7, topping the Wolverines 15-6. Coach DJ Whittemore gave several of his pitchers a chance on the mound.
DJ Peters started for the Western, he was relieved by Cody Kerns in the top of the third. Ty Fox came in to pitch in the fourth, and Kyle Johnson took over in the fifth. Matt Young pitched in the sixth, followed by Thomas Kerr in the seventh and eighth, and Chase Kaplan closed in the ninth. Peters earned the win.
Of the pitching potpourri, Whittemore said, "We have a four-game conference series later in the week, and we need everyone to be fresh for that."
Western Nevada College of Carson City put up two runs in the first inning when Bradley Lewis tripled, scoring David Modler who was walked for his first at bat. Lewis scored on a ground out by Kody Reynolds.
The Wildcats presented a lively the third inning; They tallied seven runs to pad their lead 9-0. Austin Andrews singled and Modler was hit by pitch. Stolen bases put both runners in scoring position. Lewis grounded out to score Andrews, and Jake Bennett singled, scoring Modler.
Reynolds and Tim Lichty singled to load the bases. DJ Peters walked, scoring Bennett, and Corey Pool was hit by pitch to score Reynolds. After a Litchy scored on a wild pitch. Andrews singled at his second at bat of the inning to score Peters and Pool. The inning closed when Andrews was tagged out attempting to score on a single by Lewis.
The Wolverines put up three runs in the fourth, and WNC answered with a home run by Corey Pool. After five innings, 10-3, WNC.
Both teams earned one run a piece in the sixth. The Wildcats grabbed theirs when Lewis doubled and was brought home on a double by Brandon Lapointe. 11-4, Wildcats.
In the eighth, the Wildcats changed up their line-up and struck again, putting up four runs. Lewis and Blake Morin led off with singles, and scored on a triple by Riley Ingram. Lichty was hit by pitch and Brogan Secrist singled to score Ingram. Pool reached on a fielder's choice, which scored Lichty. The score, 15-4 WNC.
In the final stretch, the Wildcats allowed two from the Wolverines, leaving the final score 15-6, Wildcats.
Whittemore said, "We played well offensively. Andrews and Lewis both had a good day. Sierra is a good team, getting a win today sets us in the right direction for our conference season."
The Wildcats open conference play at home Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 26-28 versus the College of Southern Idaho.
In some disappointing news that came Tuesday, Western Nevada College has made the decision to discontinue financial support for its men’s baseball and women’s softball programs, effective after the 2016 season. College officials at the Carson City college said the decision was not taken lightly, and given the success of the programs, it is even tougher.
“The contributions by the coaches and players that have made WNC a national powerhouse in baseball and offered women athletes the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level are greatly appreciated by the college and community,” said WNC President Chet Burton.
“It is important for the college to make this announcement in order to inform the current student athletes that the program will continue through their two years of eligibility, as well as provide notice to any future recruits considering WNC.”