NCC Spartans Down Top Competitor in World Series

NCC baseball plays for life in series

Related Media

BETHLEHEM, PA (05/30/2018) Heading into their 2018 NJCAA Division III World Series match-up against the Oakton Owls (IL), the NCC Spartans were Region XIX Champions and District G Champions with an Overall Record of 34-13. It was Head Coach Adrian Yaguez's 10th season, and he had high hopes for the Oakton opener. After waiting out an almost 7-hour rain delay, the Northampton Spartans and Oakton Owls finally kicked off the World Series at Pioneer Park in Greenville, TN on Saturday, May 26.

"I am so proud of this group - and how they battled all season - on every pitch - to capture the Region XIX Championship and get back to the Junior College World Series is a true testament to the players and all of their hard work this year," said Coach Yaguez. The Owls got on the board early, scoring 4 runs in the bottom of the 1st and never relinquished the lead, earning a 12-7 victory.

NCC's 5th seeded Spartans (34-14) then faced #1 Herkimer College (NY) in a back and forth affair that had everyone on the edge of their seats. The Spartans came back from 2 runs down in the bottom of the 9th to defeat top-seeded Herkimer, 11-10, which gave them a fighting chance in the World Series. Read more about that intense game here.

In the next holiday weekend match-up, Rowan College at Gloucester County (NJ) downed Northampton, 7-0, eliminating the Spartans from postseason play.

"To be one of seven sophomores that got the chance to go to the World Series twice is just amazing. It was a fantastic ride for me and some of the guys who came in last year. We won Region XIX Championships for the first time, and that's a huge achievement," said Tyler Melko, first baseman and one of three team captains for the Spartans. The Spartans finish the season 35-15, a solid season with players who showed a lot of heart on the field.

About Northampton Community College

With an enduring commitment to the regional community it serves and a focus on student success, Northampton Community College has developed a reputation as an institution of extraordinary distinction, earning accolades at the state and national levels for innovative programs, outstanding faculty and impressive student achievements. It counts among its successful alumni a 4-time Pulitzer Prize winner and an Academy Award winning director as well as a host of CEOs, presidents, and leaders of business and industry. Today, Northampton Community College has locations in Bethlehem, Southside Bethlehem, and Monroe County, serving more than 30,000 students each year from 53 counties, 48 countries and 25 states. For more information, or to apply, please visit www.northampton.edu.