Smith, Walker and Potter pace Northeast over Colby and McCook

COLBY, Kan. – Drew Smith (Elkhorn, Neb.), Alex Potter (Parker, Colo.) and Bryce Walker (Papillion, Neb.) came up big for the Northeast Community College baseball team on Wednesday, topping Colby Community College 9-7 and McCook Community College 15-10 in Colby, Kan.

It wasn't easy for the Hawks (7-5) in the first game after taking a 6-2 lead, to see it quickly dissolve as Colby responded with five runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. But, it was the Hawks that prevailed after Smith doubled and eventually scored on a passed ball.

Smith went 4-for-4 at the plate with six RBI, three runs, two doubles and two home runs. Donovan Warren (Omaha, Neb.) added a double, while Tanner Hunt (Elkhorn, Neb.) pitched in a home run. Cam Taylor (Bellevue, Neb.) toed the rubber and tossed four and two-third innings, giving up six earned runs off seven hits, while striking out seven and walking two.

Sebastian Rodriguez (Cayey, Puerto Rico) earned the win in relief, throwing one and one-third innings, giving up two hits, while striking out two batters and walking one. Potter shut the door to earn the save.

The Hawks crawled back in the final game of the day after McCook took a 7-1 advantage in the bottom of the second. But, the comeback kids did it again, tallying 14 runs in the final four innings.

Walker went 3-for-5 with three runs, two RBI and home run. Derek Botaletto (Omaha, Neb.) added three hits, two RBI, a run and a double. Joining Walker in the home run category included: Christian Dumont (Bellevue, Neb.), Hunt and Jackson Tingwald (Ralston, Neb.). Jean Santos (Caguas, Puerto Rico) added a triple in the win.

Potter earned the win in relief after tossing two and two-thirds innings, allowing one hit, while striking out seven batters.

Northeast was scheduled to take on North Iowa Area Community College in ICCAC play on Saturday and Sunday. However, due to wet field conditions, the games will now be played on Monday and Tuesday with a site yet to be determined.

For all news related to Northeast Community College athletics, visit northeasthawks.com for complete coverage. Fans can also follow the Hawks on Twitter @NortheastHawks for game-day coverage.