Valhalla, NY - Westchester CC delivered a complete, wire-to-wire performance Friday afternoon, overpowering Union County College, 11–3, behind early patience at the plate and a dominant outing on the mound.
The Vikings wasted no time seizing control in the top of the first. A disciplined approach quickly paid off, as Mercer Jordan(Beacon, NY/Beacon High School) and Oscar Almanzar(Dominican Republic) each drew bases-loaded walks to force in runs. Moments later, Chris Echols(Somers, NY/ John F. Kennedy Preparatory School) laced a two-run double into the gap, giving Westchester a commanding 4–0 lead before UCCC could settle in.
That early cushion was more than enough for Robert Keller(Mahopac, NY/Mahopac High School), who turned in one of his most composed starts of the season. The right-hander worked seven strong innings, allowing four hits and three runs—only one earned—while striking out seven and working around four walks. Keller consistently limited damage, keeping UCCC from building any sustained momentum.
Westchester broke the game open in the sixth with a decisive five-run inning. Adriel Rodriguez sparked the rally with an RBI single, setting the stage for Jordan, who delivered the knockout blow with a bases-clearing double to stretch the lead. Jackson followed with an RBI double of his own, capping the surge and putting the game well out of reach.
Offensively, the Vikings produced up and down the lineup, finishing with 11 hits. Echols and Rodriguez had big days, each having two hit performances, while Jordan drove in a team-high three runs from the heart of the order. Westchester also showed strong plate discipline, drawing seven walks and applying constant pressure on UCCC pitching.
Game 2 which took place this past Friday was more of a back and forth affair in which the Generals pulled off a gritty win. Westchester CC came up just short Friday, falling 6–5 to UCCC on a walk-off in the bottom of the seventh.
Tied at five, UCCC rallied late as Blesing tied the game with an RBI single before Neese drew a bases-loaded walk to bring home the winning run.
Westchester outhit UCCC 9–7, with Heymach leading the way with three hits. Jorgensen went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, including a game-tying double in the third, while Jordan added two hits.
UCCC struck first on Devolin's two-run homer in the second, but Westchester responded and took a 4–2 lead in the fourth behind an RBI single from Heymach and a defensive error.
Kelesidis turned in a strong outing, striking out nine over 6⅔ innings, but was tagged with the loss. Devolin led UCCC with four RBIs as the home team completed the late comeback.
