The Western Nevada Community College baseball team got back on track with a resounding 16-3 won over Midland Junior College on Thursday in Texas.
WNCC (3-6) broke a six-game losing streak by beating Midland (2-3), which was coming off a series in which it split four games with the nation's No. 20 team, Lamar, Colo.
"We kind of forgot what it felt like," said WNCC coach D.J. Whittemore about winning. "It felt really good. We played good baseball."
The Wildcats jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the first inning against a pitcher that throws 92 miles an hour.
"I think they were a little shocked that we put a six-spot on them in the first inning," Whittemore said.
Kyle Bondurant led off with a single, Logan Parsley walked and Thomas Miler singled to load the bases as six of WNCC's first seven batters scored. Two runs scored on errors and Brad Carlsen reached on an infield single when he hustled to beat out a routine groundball to second. After Carlsen stole second, Taylor Mieras capped the rally with a two-run single.
WNCC led 8-3 when it scored eight runs in the eight the break the game open. WNCC took advantage of three errors by the third baseman, Pat Grennan had an RBI single, Mieras drew a bases-loaded walk and Parsley had a two-run single during the rally.
Parsley continued his impressive play as he went 3-for-5 and Miller was also 3-for-5. Mieras was also 2-for-4.
The Wildcats also received a lift from the return of Ryan Simpson, who started as the designated hitter. Simpson had a hit and an RBI sacrifice fly.
After Simpson injured his knee in an intrasquad scrimmage the weekend before the season began, it looked like he might be out for the year.
"I can't believe it," said Whittemore about Simpson. "I actually thought it looked like he was going to be out for the season. He's a gritty kid."
Justin Garcia picked up the win, allowing three runs on 10 hits while walking none over six innings.
"He scattered them," said Whittemore about the hits Garcia gave up. "Garcia did a good job of throwing strikes. We played some good defense."
Among those who Whittemore singled out for the defensive play was shortstop Kevin Schlange and Miller at first. WNCC turned two double plays.
Jake Bottari, Wes Osmer and T.J. Wohlever all pitched a scoreless inning. Whittemore said the key to the game was WNCC combined to walk just one while the Wildcats drew nine walks. "That was really the difference of the game," Whittemore said.
WNCC also followed its philosophy of strong defense and timely hitting, picking up some key two-out hits. "That always makes you look like you know what you're doing," Whittemore said.
The Wildcats will play Midland again today at 3 p.m.