The Chipola Indians ranked number three in the NJCAA preseason rankings, traveled to Palatka, to compete in the John Tindall Classic. After a strong start to the season, the Indians entered the weekend at 12-1, earning them the spot as the top team in the FCSAA Region 8 polls. The Indians finished the weekened 2-1, taking the final two games after dropping the first.
Game One: Miami Dade - 10 Chipola - 0
In the first matchup of the weekend, Chipola took on Miami Dade College the number 15 team in NJCAA preseason rankings. The Indians faced starting pitcher, Jose Prichardo, who had only given up one earned run in his two most recent outings. With the Indians able to muster up only 6 hits, Mark Black shined for the Indians as he went 2 for 3 at the plate.
Game Two: Chipola - 8 St. Johns River - 3
In game two of the weekend, the Indians first three batters reached base, chasing the starting Vikings pitcher out of the game. In the cleanup spot, Dylan Goldstein drove in the first two runs of the game with a single to right field, scoring Myles Austin and Paxton Tomaini. After a fielder's choice scored Cameron Gray, Goldstein scored on an error to eventually total 4 runs in the top of the 1st inning.
In the second inning, Matthew Garcia started it off with a single up the middle; Myles Austin reached on an error and advanced to third, allowing Garcia to score. Still with no outs, Paxton Tomaini singled to left to bring in Austin. Tomaini came around to score later in the inning putting the Indians in control with a 7-1 lead.
Six Indians reached based successfully on the day with a total of 7 hits and 5 base on balls. Matthew Corlew and Dylan Goldstein drove in 2 runs each, as Chipola took the game with a final score of 8-3.
On the mound, Luis Guerrero (2-1) started the game and threw 4 innings, striking out 5 hitters. Bo Bonds continued the dominance, only allowing one hit through 3 innings and striking out 6 batters to collect his 3rd save of the season.
Game Three: Chipola - 6 St. Johns River - 0
In the second game of the doubleheader matchup, three Chipola pitchers combined to shutout the Vikings. Andrew Baker (2-0) started on the mound for the Indians and turned in his best performance of the season. Baker struck out 10 without walking a batter in 5 innings. Jaylen Nowlin pitched a pefect sixth inning, including a strikeout. Cedric De Grandpre came on to close out the game in the seventh, allopwing one hit and striking out two.
Matthew Garcia capped off his strong day at the plate as he went 2 for 4 with one RBI. Cameron Gray was 2 for 4 with 2 doubles and an RBI.
The Indians will travel on Tuesday to take on Chattahoochee Valley Community College at 1 PM Central.
Schedule Change
The Indians will host San Jacinto College this weekend. The Indians will play the Gators in a doubleheader starting at 1 PM on Saturday followed by a single game on Sunday at 11 AM.