The Northeast Texas Community College Eagles kept their season alive Saturday night with a 13-4 victory over Navarro College in the Region XIV North Tournament at Eagle Field. The result forces a winner-take-all championship game between the two teams on Sunday afternoon, with the winner advancing to the Super Regional next weekend.
Facing elimination for the second time on the day, the Eagles delivered one of their strongest offensive performances of the season, pounding out 12 hits and capitalizing on four Navarro errors to hand the Bulldogs their first loss of the tournament.
After a scoreless first inning, NTCC scored three runs in the second and never surrendered the lead. The Eagles continued to apply pressure throughout the night, adding runs in seven different innings, including a four-run sixth inning that helped put the game out of reach.
BJ Lumkins led the offensive attack with a huge 4-for-6 performance that included three RBI and two runs scored. Jonathon Kent also had a standout night, finishing with two hits, including a home run and triple, while driving in four runs and scoring twice.
David Sorg added a home run and three RBI, while Cameron Reiter collected two hits and an RBI. Jake Farris contributed a pair of hits as the Eagles continued to produce throughout the lineup.
On the mound, Sam Durard gave the Eagles a solid start, allowing just one run over four innings while striking out five. Bryson Bentley earned the win in relief, and Lane Cole closed out the final two innings with five strikeouts while allowing just one hit.
The victory sets up one final showdown between NTCC and Navarro on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Eagle Field, with the Region XIV North Tournament championship on the line. Visit www.ntcc.edu/tourney26 for updated brackets and other tournament details.
