Yetis Notch First Win and Topple Ranked Team

Competing in the first official game in the college's baseball history, the Yetis took home a win after defeating Surry Community College 12-2 in their season opener on January 30 in Dobson, NC.

Kyras Dawson (Washinton, D.C.) and Janniel Berroa (Miami, FL) led the way with 3 hits each to pace the Yetis offense. In the first inning, Dawson produced the first hit in program history. This was followed by Berroa's 3 run homerun, the first homer in program history. The homerun scored both Michael Greene (Shelby, NC) and Dawson, with Greene scoring the first run in program history after leading off the inning and being hit by a pitch.

Starting pitcher Bailey McGinnis (Ruthefordton, NC) recorded the first strikeout in program history. McGinnis would go 4 complete innings, giving up only 3 hits while striking out 5 batters. Nate Roof (Lexington, SC) followed on the mound for 3 innings, with no earned runs, 4 strikeouts and earning the first win in program history.

"It's always great to get that first win under your belt," said Head Coach Gene Bowles. "The hard work put in during the fall by our players and coaching staff paid off."

Following two tough losses on the road at #20 (DI) Florence-Darlington Tech on February 6, a February 7 double header at USC Sumter was postponed due to wet field conditions.

The NJCAA Division II Yetis once again took the field at #20 Florence-Darlington for a mid-week game on Wednesday, February 10. The Yetis jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning but were down 9-1 to the Stingers by the 5th inning. The Yetis, however, stormed back over the next 4 innings, took the lead and held on for an 11-9 victory.

"I can't say enough about the fight that our guys showed today," said Bowles. "To be down eight runs to a ranked Division I program and come back, I couldn't be prouder. This is a huge win for our first-year program."

Right Fielder Kyras Dawson and Catcher Zachary Wilson (Lawndale, NC) led the way with 3 hits including a double and triple each. Blake Decker's (John's Creek, GA) leadoff home run would tie the game in the top of the 9th inning as the Yetis would take the lead heading to the bottom half.

Avery Bridges (Polkville, NC), pitching in relief would be credited with the win. Graham Brown (Harrisburg, NC), finishing out the 9th inning would gain the save, the first save in program history.

Next game: Saturday at 12:00pm and 3:30pm at Brunswick CC (Bolivia, NC). Sunday at 1:00pm and Brunswick CC (Bolivia, NC).