Decatur, MS – February 7, 2025 – The No. 2-ranked East Central Community College Warriors opened the season with a statement sweep over No. 16 South Arkansas Community College, taking all three games dominantly at Clark-Gay Baseball Complex. The Warriors exploded offensively in the first two games, winning 14-4 and 17-7, before grinding out a 3-1 victory in the series finale.
Game 1: East Central 14, South Arkansas 4
A five-run third inning powered East Central as the Warriors piled on 10 hits in the series opener. Ryan Nelson had a standout performance, driving in four runs with a home run. Pablo Roque added a three-RBI night, while Langston Cotten also homered in the Warriors'Warriors'ring effort.
On the mound, Riley Passman (W, 1-0) won the relief victory, tossing 2.1 scoreless innings while striking out two. The Warriors shut down South Arkansas after the fourth inning, allowing just one hit over the final five frames.
Game 2: East Central 17, South Arkansas 7
The Warriors kept their offensive firepower going, scoring six runs in the third inning to break the game open. Pablo Roque was unstoppable, going 4-for-4 with two doubles, a triple, and two RBIs. Brady McAbee launched a three-run home run, finishing the game with five RBIs.
Pitcher Bryson Goff (W, 1-0) struck out six over four innings to earn the win, while Kamryn Carlisle provided two scoreless innings of relief. East Central racked up 12 hits, forcing South Arkansas to cycle through six pitchers.
Game 3: East Central 3, South Arkansas 1
The series finale turned into a defensive battle, with both teams combining for just six hits. Barret Rodgers delivered the difference-making swing with a solo home run, while Pablo Roque and Jayden Adcox chipped in RBIs.
On the mound, Chris Bilingsley (W, 1-0) was electric, striking out 10 batters over five innings while allowing just two hits. Andrew Nielsen closed the game with a four-out save, securing the sweep. Head coach Neal Holliman praised the team's performance:
"We came" and prepared and executed at a high level. Our offense showed its depth, and our pitching staff stepped up, especially in the finale. This is the type of start we wanted."
Lookin "Ahead
The No. 2 Warriors (3-0) will look to keep their early-season momentum rolling as they gear up for another non-conference matchup with NJCAA D1 No. 13 Shelton State on Thursday, February 13th, at 3 p.m. With dominant pitching and an explosive offense, East Central is proving why it is among the national teams.