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Sep 28, 2023

Blackhawks crush South Arkansas, advance to final four

ENID, Okla. — Cole Yearsley connected on a two-run birthday blast. Carlos

ENID, Okla. — Cole Yearsley connected on a two-run birthday blast.

Carlos Escobosa overpowered hitters with 10 strikeouts.

And Vasin Thurman delivered four clutch two-out RBIs.

There were plenty of heroes on a memorable Memorial Day for the SCC baseball team.

The 10th ranked Blackhawks used another relentless display to rout No. 14 South Arkansas 10-2 in the NJCAA World Series on Monday night at David Allen Memorial Ballpark.

"Our guys came out focused and really came through in big situations," SCC coach Justin Schulte said. "Give credit to our players for being ready to play. We pitched well, we had timely hitting and we played clean baseball in the field."

With the win, Southeastern Community College clinches its best finish in school history.

SCC is guaranteed a top-four finish as it now moves into Wednesday's 3:30 p.m. semifinal against Lansing or South Arkansas.

"We just have to stay focused on the task at hand and don't listen to everyone tell us how good we are," Schulte said. "We need to show up ready to go on Wednesday with a chance to play for a championship.

"I love the way our guys are handling their business right now."

Southeastern (48-16) found a way to cool off a red-hot South Ark team that had steamrolled its first two opponents in the tournament.

The Stars fell to 47-17, but they could earn a rematch with SCC if they win Tuesday.

The Blackhawks, the No. 6 seed, entered this event with just one national tournament win in their history.

They now have two wins in this national tournament.

Thurman, from Fort Madison, ripped a shot to right field that knocked in two runs in the first inning. He followed by lining a single into left field to plate a pair of runs in the third inning.

Both hits came with two outs.

"Our whole lineup has stepped up offensively the last two games," Thurman said. "I am just doing whatever I can to help the team. Everyone played great. This is the most fun I have ever had playing baseball."

Schulte credited Thurman's approach at the plate.

"Vasin had two big, clutch hits," the coach said. "That was the difference in the game."

Escobosa allowed solo homers in the first and third innings, but he was dominant while recording double-digit strikeouts over five-plus innings.

His fastball was clocked in the low 90s and he also changed speeds effectively.

"I felt really good out there," he said. "I was excited to be able to help my team and it was great having all of the run support.

"We just want to keep it going and win the whole thing."

The 6-foot-5 Escobosa struck out three batters in the third inning and again in the fourth.

He had two strikeout innings in the second and fifth.

"Carlos was really good," Schulte said. "He really set the tone for us."

SCC relievers Will Hoernemann, Dawson Toborg and Gage Pearson held South Ark scoreless the rest of the way.

"We have a great bullpen," Schulte said. "They came through again for us."

Yearsley, who turned 20 on Monday, crushed a long home run to right field to build Southeastern's lead to 7-2 in the fifth inning.

He then delivered an RBI single in the eighth inning that ended the game on the eight-run rule. He finished with four RBIs.

"We came out strong again and everyone had a great approach at the plate," Yearsley said. "This team is really motivated right now. We want to win a national title."

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