23 Feb 2022 Nighthawks baseball sweeps Henderson State JV

HOT SPRINGS — The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawks baseball team (5-6) swept its home opener on Monday, defeating Henderson State University’s junior varsity team, 11-4, in game one and 10-5 in game two at Babe Ruth Field at Majestic Park. 

In game one, NPC got things moving in the second inning with a solo home run from sophomore shortstop Cade McBride (Nashville). Freshman catcher Jesus Minjarez padded the lead with a third-inning grand slam to give the Nighthawks a 5-0 advantage. The Reddies threatened a comeback with four runs across in the fourth inning, but the Nighthawks responded with six additional runs over the fourth, fifth and sixth innings to put the game out of reach. 

Minjarez and freshmen Daeton Bassett (Fountain Lake) and Evan Shoffit (Farmington) each recorded two hits in the win. Freshman pitcher Payton Windham (Maud, TX) earned the win on the mound, allowing four runs on five hits with eight strikeouts over four innings. Freshman Jaden Lewis (Troup, TX) relieved Windham and recorded the final nine outs.

In game two, the Reddies got on the board first, plating one run in the top of the first inning. NPC found its offensive rhythm in the bottom of the third, knocking in four runs to take the lead. After Henderson State tied the game, 4-4, with a three-run rally in the top of the seventh, the Nighthawks answered with a six-run bottom of the seventh inning to take the lead for good, securing the series sweep.

Shoffit went 3-5 at the plate to lead the Nighthawks in hitting. Freshman Jeb Brown (Rogers) picked up the win in relief, striking out two and walking one over one and one-third innings. 

The Nighthawks play host to No. 2 Kellogg Community College at Majestic Park on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 1 and 4 p.m. The games will be streamed live on the Nighthawk Network. 

For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit Nighthawks baseball online. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.