Pioneers Split First Games of Season

The Delta College baseball team split their opening games of the season on Saturday, dropping an 11-2 decision to Hibbings Community College before knocking off Mesabi Range 19-0. 

The Pioneers struck first against Hibbings plating a run in the bottom of the second as Devin Sempert drove home Mitch Morley with a single to right.  Hibbings scored three in the top of the third before Delta scored again on a balk in the bottom of the frame to make it 3-2.  A two run sixth inning and a six run seventh inning put the game out of reach as the Cardinals used five walks, a hit batter and an error to their advantage.

Grant Dittmer (0-1) took the loss on the hill for DC, throwing five and a third innings giving up four earned runs while striking out seven and walking three.  Sempert led the offense for the Pioneers with two of the team's six hits. 

In the game against Mesabi Range, Delta scored two runs in the top of the first inning and never looked back, scoring at least a run in every inning including six in the fourth and seven in the sixth.  Drew Schultz made his college debut count on the bump for DC, allowing four hits through four innings while striking out four.  David Binder relieved Schultz and threw the final three innings giving up one hit while striking out six and walking just one.

Offensively, Delta collected 20 total hits led by Matt Fisher's three singles and two RBI. Lucas Sella, Aaron Esparza, Mitch Morley, Jarred Cooper and Randy Rangel all had multi-hit games as well while Kane Bourbina had a three-run, inside the park homerun.  

"Our trip gets tougher each day," said head coach Danny Smith.  "It's disappointing that we didn't have the bats ready to compete in that first game but refreshing to see us respond in the nightcap."

The Pioneers play against Minnesota West Sunday in a double-header at Chain of Lakes in Winter Haven.  Joe Tany will get the game one start while Jake Wright will throw game two.  First pitch is scheduled for 11:30am.