Bobcats Claw Past McKendree University JV

Game 1 — Frontier Community College 10, McKendree University JV Bearcats 1

The Frontier Community College Bobcats celebrated their home opener at FNB Field in dominant fashion Wednesday, defeating the McKendree University JV Bearcats 10-1.

Sean McConachie powered the FCC offense, driving in four runs on two hits. He delivered a two-run single in the fifth inning and followed with a two-run double in the sixth.

Braxton Mathews was outstanding on the mound for the Bobcats, striking out 11 batters over five innings. He allowed just one run on five hits and did not issue a walk.

FCC struck first in the opening inning when Gael Salinas doubled home a run. The Bearcats briefly tied the game in the fourth on an RBI single by Ethan Melton.

The Bobcats quickly regained control in the bottom of the fifth. Kasey Lowe tripled to plate one run, McConachie added his two-run single, and Cam Napier followed with an RBI single.

Frontier Community College broke the game open in the sixth, scoring five more runs. McConachie doubled in two, Dillon James drove in a run on a fielder's choice, and Mayes Gosser launched a two-run homer to center.

Bryan Jubelt took the loss for McKendree University JV. Miles Whitesell and Drake Hartline provided effective relief for FCC, shutting down the Bearcats the rest of the way.

McConachie and Lowe each collected two hits for the Bobcats, while Jordan Carter and McConachie swiped multiple bases. FCC was aggressive on the basepaths, totaling 10 stolen bases, and played error-free defense. McConachie led the defensive effort with 14 chances.

Melton paced the Bearcats offense, going 2-for-3 with an RBI. McKendree University JV turned one double play.

Game 2 — Frontier Community College 11, McKendree University JV Bearcats 1

The Bobcats completed the sweep of the Bearcats with an 11-1 victory in the nightcap of their home-opening doubleheader at FNB Field.

FCC jumped on the board early in the first inning when Gael Salinas lifted a sacrifice fly and Dillon James grounded out to bring home another run.

Cam Napier extended the Bobcats' lead to 3-0 with an RBI double in the second, and Garrett Schmidt added a sacrifice fly in the third to make it 4-0.

Ian-Olivier Beaulieu earned the win for Frontier Community College, tossing a scoreless inning. Multiple Bobcat relievers — Ethan Robbins, Jackson Ethridge, Kaelin Farr, and Nate Stivers — combined to keep the Bearcats in check.

Josh French set the tone at the top of the order, going 2-for-3. Mason Newland and Gael Salinas each drove in two runs, while Asa Dunlevey drew three walks as FCC showed strong plate discipline with nine walks overall.

The Bobcats continued their aggressive baserunning, stealing eight bases. French and Kasey Lowe each had multiple steals. FCC also turned a triple play and a double play while committing no errors. Lowe led the team with seven defensive chances.

Riley Mohr drove in the lone run for the Bearcats, while Mohr, Ethan Melton, Quentin Black, and Camden Mueller each recorded a hit.

With the sweep of the Bearcats in their home opener at FNB Field, the Bobcats improve to 13-4 overall.

FCC returns to action Tuesday, March 3, against Three Rivers College at Rent One Ball Park. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.