HICKORY, N.C. — The 14th-ranked Catawba Valley Community College baseball program bid farewell to its 17 departing baseball players on Sunday during the final home game of their careers against Patrick Henry Community College.
The Patriots proved to be spoilers on this special day, defeating the Red Hawks 6-2 at Henkel-Alley Field. By virtue of its doubleheader sweep on Saturday, CVCC wins the series, 2-1 — its 12th series win this spring.
Sophomores Jimmy Marcelli and Graham Mitchell led Catawba Valley (36-14, 15-7 in Region X) in Sunday's contest. Mitchell drove in a run on a sac fly in the bottom of the first inning, while Marcelli connected on his second career home run — a solo shot to left field in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Despite those efforts, CVCC batters struggled in Sunday's matinee, stranding 12 runners on base and striking out 12 times.
Patrick Henry starting pitcher Danny Hosley allowed four hits, two earned runs, five walks and struck out 10 batters to pick up his third win of the season.
Catawba Valley starting pitcher Thomas Walden allowed three hits, three earned runs, two walks and struck out two batters in the final home outing for the sophomore from Raleigh, N.C.
Relievers Matthew Dailey, Hunter Isaacs, Will Angel, Tyler Nigro, Connor Hewell, Josh Rice, Nic Messina and Greg Collins all saw action on the mound for the Red Hawks on Sunday, combining to close out the final seven innings against the Patriots (31-14-1, 13-5-1 in Region X). The eight pitchers allowed a total of four hits, three runs, six walks and striking out nine batters.
Following the conclusion of Sunday's contest, all 17 departing CVCC baseball players were honored at home plate with their families, receiving hugs and handshakes from Red Hawk head coach Paul Rozzelle, pitching coach Kris Harvey and hitting coach Colby Dishmond.
The CVCC baseball team caps off its regular season next weekend with a road series against New River Community College in Dublin, Va.
The Red Hawks and Muskies will play one nine-inning and one seven-inning game on Saturday starting at 1 p.m. before playing one single nine-inning game on Sunday at noon.
