News Releases

5-29-09

Parkland Wins DII Baseball Title with 11-3 Win Over Scottsdale

parkland cobra celebrate victory

The Parkland College (Ill.) Cobras team dominated from beginning to end Friday night to win their second NJCAA Division II World Series title defeating Scottsdale Community College (Ariz.) 11-3 at David Allen Ballpark in Enid, Okla.

The Cobras scored three times each in the second and third innings to build a 6-1 lead and never looked back as they out hit the Fighting Artichokes 18-6. Winning pitcher Max Friedman worked 8.1 innings allowing just three runs while striking out 10.

Parkland's offense was paced by tournament MVP Kevin Kiermaier who went 3-4 with two runs scored and four RBI. Nate Roberts, Colin McKeen, and Kevin Crane all collected three hits for Parkland in the victory. Rafael Perez had three of Scottsdale's six hits.

Parkland, which won their five games in the Series by the combined scores of 51-20, broke the NJCAA record for team batting average with a .408 mark for the tournament. They were lead by the hitter of the tournament Nate Roberts who broke the individual hitting record going 12-17 for a .710 average. He was joined on the All-Tournament team by teammate Kory Rombold who was selected the Pitcher of the Tourney for picking up two wins while walking just two batters and striking out 22. Also selected were second baseman Jordan Mitchelhill who hit .570, third baseman Collin DeDecker who hit .500 and was outstanding defensively and rightfielder Kevin Kiermaier who was named the MVP after he hit .444 with 3 HR and 9 RBI.

The title is the second for the Cobras who also won the title back in 2002 and were runners-up in 2005.

Tournament stats and box scores can be found at www.davidallenballpark.com and more pics and photos are at www.njcaa.org

Congrats to Coach Kennedy and Coach Throneburg or an amazing season!

5-17-09

Cobras score in 9th again to knock off Heartland

Driving in the winning run in the bottom of the 9th is becoming a regular occurrence for Jordan Mitchelhill. For the second straight game the Cobra second baseman from Australia delivered the key hit as the Cobras defeated arch-rival Heartland Community College 4-3 in Region 24 action in Springfield. The victory moves the Cobras to (43-9) and into the Region 24 Championship game at 1:00 on Monday. The Hawks fall to (41-8-1) and will play again Sunday night against the winner of the Lincoln Land-John Wood game. The winner of the Sunday night game will play the Cobras for the title and the right to advance to the D-II World Series.

On Sunday, PC trailed 2-0 headed to the bottom of the sixth before they scored three times to take the lead. Mtchelhill and Robers led off the inning with walks and both moved over to 2nd and 3rd on an infield ground out. Nick Krisman came on in relief and his wild pitch scored Mitchelhill to make it 2-1. Michael Braburn's single to left tied it at 2 and the Cobras scored their final run of the inning on a passed ball and a throwing error by the catcher.

Leading 3-2 going to the 9th, this time is was Heartland's turn to rally like the Cobras did yesterday. Zach Benning lead off with a single but John Colon flew out to right for the first out of the inning and Cory Phillips sacrificed him to 2nd. With two outs, Matt Igara singled to the hole at short but Cobra shortstop Colin McKeen kept the ball from heading to left field to put runners at the corners with two outs. Ty Wiesemeyer doubled into the right field corner to tie in at 3 but Kory Rombold (5-2) struck out league home run champion Cody Gilles (21 home runs) to strand runners at 2nd and 3rd.

In the bottom of the 9th, Rich Ruff flew out to center to start the inning but Collin DeDecker and Kevin Kiermaier both singled to set up Mitchelhill's game winning heroics. Kevin Crane went 3-3 for PC while DeDecker and Mitchellhill each collected a pair of hits. Rombold went the distance to earn the win allowing just two earned runs while walking two and striking out five.

HCC 000 110 001 3 10 2
PC 000 003 001 4 11 2

August, Krisman (6), Bachtold (9), Stonelake (9) and Benning
Rombold and Ruff

W-Rombold (5-2) L-Bachtold (3-1)

Mitchelhill double takes Cobras to victory

Jordan Mitchelhill hit a double off the right field wall to chase home Bobby Glover and Collin DeDecker with the tying and winning runs and lead Parkland to a wild 4-3 win over Danville in Region 24 play Saturday afternoon.

Down to their last strike and out, Mitchelhill hit a 3-2 pitch just over the right fielder's glove to rally the Cobras from a 3-2 deficit and into the winner's bracket final where PC will play Heartland (41-7-1) at 12:00 on Sunday. The Hawks crushed ICC 12-1 scoring seven times in the first inning.

Parkland (42-9) grabbed an early lead when Michael Bradburn hit a solo home run in the bottom of the 4th to put the Cobras ahead 1-0. Bobby Glover followed with a double and he scored on a DeDecker single to make it 2-0. Jacob Jurczak answered back with a home run of his own and DACC tied it one inning later on a Patrick Foster single. The Jaguars took their first lead of the game when Tyler Gieseking walked and scored on a Jurczak double into the right field gap off Cobra reliever Scott Powers. Powers settled down and struck out the next two hitters and got an inning ending ground out to keep the score at 3-2. Parkland threatened in their half of the 8th when Mitchellhill and Nate Roberts led off the inning with back to back singles and advanced to 2nd and 3rd on a sacrifice bunt but the Cobras could not drive in either runner.

After DACC was retired in order in the 9th, Glover reached on an error and advanced to second on a bunt. Collin DeDecker also reached on an error to put runners at the corners but Kevin Kiermaier struck out leaving up to Mitchelhill to provide the heroics.

The rally gave Powers (1-0) his first victory of the season. He was the fourth hurler of the game for PC who also got strong relief performances from Darin Worman and Gerry Martinez.

Late night start doesn't stop Cobras

The Parkland Baseball team didnt leave the field until after 11:30 pm Thursday night but the late night was worth the wait as the Cobras opened Region 24 play with a 10-2 win over Lewis and Clark. Rains in the Springfield area on Wednesday left only one field playable and PC's game was moved from 2:30 to 7:30 but did not actually get started until after 9 pm.

PC broke on top with three runs in the third and never looked back as they pulled away for the win. Leading 4-1, Nate Roberts ended any chance for an upset bit by the Blazers, with a line drive three-run home run to make 7-1 after six. PC scored three more times in the eighth to put the game away. Roberts and Kevin Kiermaier each had 3 hits and Colin McKeen added a pair of hits and RBI to pace the attack. Steve Kuligowski (8-0) worked 7 solid inning allowing no earned run on just two hits while striking out seven.

With the victory PC (41-9) advances to play rival Danville Area CC (25-19) at 6:30 on Friday at Lanphier Park in Springfield. The fifth seeded Jaguars upended #4 seed Lincoln Land on Thursday behind a solid effort on the hill by Donovan Drake.

First round results:

Game 1 #3 Heartland (40-7-1) 5 #6 John Wood (33-15) 3
Game 2: #7 ICC (14-35) 16 #2 Springfield (37-15) 5
Game 3: #5 DACC (25-19) 3 #4 Lincoln Land (32-21) 1
Game 4: #1 Parkland (41-9) 10 #8 Lewis and Clark (10-32) 2

Friday Games:
11:00 John Wood vs Springfield
1:30 Lincoln Land vs Lewis and Clark
4:00 Heartland vs ICC
6:30 Parkland vs Danville

5-13-09

Baseball Set for Post-Season play, rain changes schedule

The Parkland Baseball team (40-9) will open Region 24 Tournament play as the #1 seed in what on paper seems to be a highly competitive wide-open field. Along with the #6 ranked Cobras, there will be #15 Heartland (39-7-1), #19 Springfield College (37-14), #24 Lincoln Land (32-20), and #25 John Wood (33-14).

Due to the heavy rains in the Springfield area, Lincoln Land CC field will not be used and all games will be played at Lanphier Park.

Thursday Schedule:

12:00 Heartland (39-7-1) vs John Wood (33-14)
2:30 Springfield (37-14) vs Illinois Central (13-35)
5:00 Lincoln Land (32-20) vs Danville Area (24-19)
7:30 Parkland (40-9) vs Lewis & Clark (10-31)

Friday Schedule:

11:00 Loser 1 vs Loser 2
1:30 Loser 3 vs Loser 4
4:00 Winner 1 vs Winner 2
6:30 Winner 3 vs Winner 4

5-13-09

Baseball Set for Post-Season play, rain changes schedule

Due to the heavy rains in the Springfield area, Lincoln Land CC field will not be used and all games will be played at Lanphier Park.

Thursday Schedule:

12:00 Heartland (39-7-1) vs John Wood (33-14)
2:30 Springfield (37-14) vs Illinois Central (13-35)
5:00 Lincoln Land (32-20) vs Danville Area (24-19)
7:30 Parkland (40-9) vs Lewis & Clark (10-31)

Friday Schedule:

11:00 Loser 1 vs Loser 2
1:30 Loser 3 vs Loser 4
4:00 Winner 1 vs Winner 2
6:30 Winner 3 vs Winner 4

5-10-09

Cobra Baseball sweeps Shawnee, wins M-WAC title

The Parkland Baseball team rode the pitching of Max Friedman and Kory Rombold to a 4-1 and 11-0 sweep of Shawnee to clinch the M-WAC title and the #1 seed in the upcoming Region 24 tournament.

Game 1: Parkland 4 Shawnee 1

Friedman improved to (10-0) on the season allowing just one run on seven hits while striking out eight. Catcher Rich Ruff got the Cobras on the board in the second with a solo home run his 8th of the year. Bobby Glover made it 2-0 in the third with an RBI doble scoring Nate Roberts who had walked and stole second. Shawnee scored their lone run of the day on an infield ground out and the Cobras tacked on two insurance runs in the 5th, one scoring on an error and hte other on an RBI single by Ruff. Kevin Kiermaier walked four times and stole four bases for PC while Glover and Ruff each had a pair of hits.

Game 2: Parkland 11 Shawnee 0

Kory Rombold (4-2) was dominate from beginning to end as the sophomore limited the Saints to just one hit, a two-out single in the fourth, while striking out eight. PC gave him plenty of support early as they sent 11 men to the plate in the first inning scoring 7 runs. Kiermaier lead off with his record breaking 11th triple and scored one out later on a Nate Roberts single. Colin McKeen made it 3-0 with a two-run home run, while Tyler Watts (RBI single), Rich Ruff (2 run 2B), and Collin DeDecker (RBI 2B) all drove in runs. PC scored four more times in the fourth as Roberts drove in a pair with a triple and McKeen blasted his second home run of the game to chase home two more. McKeen's, his 8th of the year, was a towering blast to left center estimated to travel about 465 feet. He finished the game 3-3 with 4 RBI while Roberts, Glover, and Michael Bradburn each added two hits apiece.

The Cobra end the regular season at 40-9 and 24-5 in the M-WAC. Parkland will open Region 24 play on Thursday at 2:30 at Lincoln Land CC in Springfield against either Shawnee or Lewis and Clark.

5-7-09

Baseball games moved to Champaign

Due to heavy rains in Southern Illinois, the M-WAC Baseball series between Parkland and Shawnee has been moved to Champaign on Saturday and Sunday. The Cobras will host the Saints in a doubleheader starting at 2:00 on Saturday and a single game starting at Noon on Sunday. If the Cobras win 2 of the 3 games they will lock up at least a share of the M-WAC title and the #1 seed in the upcoming Region 24 Tournament.

5-3-09

Kiermaier's late inning heroics rally Cobras

Kevin Kiermaier raced home from second with two outs in the bottom of the tenth inning to help lead the #6 Parkland Baseball team to a wild 10-9 win over St. Louis Forest Park. The freshman centerfielder led off the inning drawing a walk, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt but was still there one out later after Bob Glover flew out to deep left field. On a 1-2 pitch, Colin McKeen hit a slow grounder to short and when Highlander shortstop Bobby Voss's throw pulled the first baseman off the bag, Kiermaier raced around third and beat the throw home to seal the improbable win.

Kiermaier also played a big part in the Cobras five-run eighth inning as his triple broke an 8-all tie and gave the Cobras their first lead since the opening inning. The triple, Kiermaier's 9th of the season ties him with Dan Podbelsek (1981) for most triples in a season. PC entered the 8th trailing by four, but three consecutive walks loaded the bases and with one out, Tyler Watts sacrifice fly plated a run and a second run crossed home plate on a passed ball. After Keaton Bell was hit by a pitch, Dan Kuhne delivered a game tying two run single to set up Kiermaier's go ahead triple.

Both teams had a chance to win in it the 9th inning. After Casey Jones singled to tie the game at 9, Danny Winkler was summoned from the bullpen with runners at 2nd and 3rd and only one out, but he struck out both hitters to preserve the tie. Parkland loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the 9th but Bell flew out to shallow left and Kuhne was called out on strikes to end the threat.

Forest Park also threatened in the 10th, putting runners on the corners with only one out before Winkler got Cameron Dyer to hit into an inning ending double play. Winkler (4-0) worked 1.2 solid innings to earn the win, as the two teams combined to throw 13 pitchers in the contest. Kiermaier, Kuhne, Bobby Glover, and Michael Bradburn all had 2 hits to lead the offense and help the Cobras (37-8 21-5) win their 8th straight game. Next up for the Cobras is a 1:00 double header vs Morton College on Sunday at Parkland.

Forest Park 042 000 201 0 9 15 4
Parkland 100 300 050 1 10 9 3

Wilson, Alcorn (3), Taylor (4), Raddick (5), Hendrix (8), Zimmerman (8), Omlid (9) Pfau (9) and Jones
Perkins, Worman (3), Martinez (8), Walther (9), Winkler (9) and Bell

W-Winkler (4-0)
L-Pfau (3-1)

Rombold rolls in impressive Illinois Field debut

Sophomore Kory Rombold dominated Illinois Central hitters throwing a complete game five-hit shutout to lead the #6 Parkland Baseball team to a 9-0 win over the Cougars in a game played at Illinois Field. Rombold (3-2) scattered just five hits, struck out nice, and retired the final 15 hitters of the game to earn the win and give the Cobras a three game sweep of the Cougars.

PC hitters gave Rombold all the support he would need in the first as Kevin Kiermaier led the game off with a triple and scored on a double by Jordan Mitchelhill. Bobby Glover made it three straight extra base hits as he followed with a run scoring double. After scoring a run on a wild pitch in the 3rd, PC broke the game open with a four run fourth. With two outs and a runner at second, Collin DeDecker doubled down the right field line to make it 4-0. Kiermaier followed with his 9th home run of the year to make it 6-0 and after a Mitchelhill single, Glover tripled to left center for his second RBI of the game. Michael Bradburn tacked on two more runs with his 7th home run of the season in the 9th.

Jordan Mitchelhill paced the attack with 3 hits, while Kiermaier, Glover, DeDecker, and Bradburn all had two hits apiece. The victory moves PC to (36-8 21-5) on the year while ICC falls to (10-28 9-12). The Cobras will be home all weekend as they host Forest Park in a 2:00 single game on Saturday and Morton College for a pair of games on Sunday.

PC 200 014 002 9 12 0
ICC000 000 000 0 5 0

Rombold and Ruff, Bell (6)
Ralph, Dowd (6), Ryba (8), Phillips (9) and Hess

W-Rombold (3-2)
L-Ralph

HR-Kiermaier (PC) Bradburn (PC)

4-19-09

Cobras sweep past Lynx in Baseball Action Saturday

Max Friedman tossed a three-hit shutout in game one and the Cobra offense built an early nine run lead in the nightcap as the #12 PC Baseball team swept Lincoln College 10-0 and 9-6 Saturday in Champaign.

Friedman, a sophomore from Chicago, improved to (6-0) on the year giving up just three singles, walking none and striking out 6. PC go the only run they would need when Kevin Kiermaier led off the 3rd with a triple and scored on an infield ground ball. Kiermaier drove in the Cobras second run with an RBI single scoring Rich Ruff who has started the fifth with a double. PC chased home eight runs in the sixth with Kiermaier once again a big part of the action. The freshman centerfielder hit an opposite field two-run homer, his 5th of the year, and Rich Ruff also drove in pair of runs with a single. Nate Roberts and Tyler Watt also had two hits in the contest.

After a scoreless first two innings in game 2, PC scored nine times in the next two, to build a 9-0 cushion. Tyler Watts had a hit in both innings driving in a pair of runs while Kiermaier also plated two runs. Watts and Colin McKeen (2-2 2 walks) were the lone players for PC with two hits in the game.

Lincoln scored their first runs of the day, putting up a four spot in the 5th, chasing winning pitcher Richard Ollier (3-0). The Lynx scored twice off reliever Jon Hyland in the sixth but lefty Scott Powers came on with two outs and two on and struck out Colin Eigenbrod to end the threat. Powers earned the save by retiring Lincoln in order in the 7th. Nate Blessman was the hitting star for Lincoln going 4-4 with 3 RBI.

Weather permitting, the two teams will finish their M-WAC series with a (9-7) doubleheader at Lincoln at 1:00 on Sunday. The #!2 Cobras have now won five straight and improved to (27-7 14-4) while Lincoln falls to (7-20 3-13).

Game 1:

Lincoln 000 000 0 3 2
PC 001 018 10 12 0

Becht, Patton, and Mathis
Friedman and Ruff

W-Friedman (6-0)
L-Becht
HR-Kiermaier (PC)

Game 2:

Lincoln 000 042 0 6 12 3
PC 003 600 X 9 8 0

Buckles, Petzold (3), Patton (4), Becker (4), Olsen (6) and Eigenbrod
Ollier, Hyland (6), Powers (6) and Bell

W-Ollier (3-0)
L-Petzold
S-Powers (1)

4-16-09

Bats stay hot as Cobra Baseball sweeps Lincoln Land

The Parkland Baseball team kept up their hot hitting as the Cobras swept a pair of games from Lincoln Land winning by the scores of 18-7 and 13-9. PC fell behind early 5-1 but tied the game in the 4th on an RBI triple by Nate Roberts and went ahead to stay in the 5th on an RBI single by Kevin Kiermaier. PC exploded for 12 runs in the sixth behind Kevin Crane's 3-run homer run and Rich Ruff's two run shot. Crane came up big at the plate going 5-5, scoring 5 runs and driving in 4. Ruff also drove in 4 runs as the Cobras pounded out 20 hits in the contest. Roberts went 3-4 with 2 RBi, while Kiermaier, Colin McKeeen, Bobby Glover, and Collin DeDecker all had two hits apiece. Kory Rombold (2-2) went the distance for PC to earn the win.

In game two PC jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first only to see the Loggers rally to take a 5-3 lead into the fourth. From there PC put up five runs in both the 4th and 5th innings to build a 13-5 lead and ease to the win. Nate Roberts delivered the big hits with a bases clearing double in the 4th and a grand slam home run in the 5th. Roberts finished the doubleheader going 5-9 with 9 RBI and 4 stolen bases. Dan Plecki added two hits including a solo home run while Calvin Frey and Kevin Crane each drove in a pair of runs.

Darin Worman (2-1) worked 2.2 innings in relief to pick up the win while Scott Powers retired the final four hitters of the game to wrap up the contest. The win improve PC to (25-7 12-4) while Lincoln Land drops to (14-17 6-8). Next up for the Cobras is a 12:00 home doubleheader on Saturday against Lincoln College.

Game 1:

LLCC 302 000 2 7 11 3
PC 013 11(12)X 18 20 1

Miller, Ryan (6). Pullen (6) and Miles
Rombold and Ruff

W-Rombold (2-2)
L-Miller (2-2)

HR-Crane (PC) Ruff (PC) Gregory (LLCC)

Game 2:

LLCC 004 104 0 9 7 2
PC 300 550 X 13 11 2

Waggener, Jachino (5) and Witges, Zerrusen (2)
Winkler, Worman (4), Powers (6) and Bell

W-Worman (2-1)
L- Waggener (1-2)

HR-Roberts (PC), Plecki (PC), Runde (LLCC), Luttrell (LLCC)

4-14-09

Baseball washed out

Today's baseball game between Parkland and Lincoln Land has been cancelled due to rain. The Cobras and Loggers will play a DH tomorrow at Lincoln Land beginning at 4 PM and will conclude the series at Parkland on Thursday. Thursday DH is set to begin at 2 PM.

4-13-09

#10 Parkland & #4 Heartland split in battle ofM-WAC's top two teams

Both teams came out victorious Saturday afternoon as the M-WAC's top two teams battled it out in Bloomington. The Cobras played an outstanding all around game to win the opener 10-5 and lost a heartbreaking 6-5 game in the finale stranding the tying and go-ahead runs on base in the final inning.

Nate Roberts got the Cobras on the board in the first with a two-run homer, his 5th of the season. Heartland answered right back in the bottom of the inning as Cody Gilles connected for his 9th homer of the year, a two-run blast. PC took the lead for good as PC used two walks, a wild pitch, and a ground out to score a run as well as an RBI double by Collin DeDecker. PC built the lead to 7-2 in the 3rd on a Kevin Crane single and a two-run double by Rich Ruff. Ty Wiesemyer solo shot made it 7-3 after five but Ruff lead off the 6th with a solo shot of his own and DeDecker doubled and later scored on a wild pitch. The Cobras added a run in the seventh before allowing two runs in the bottom of the frame and sealing the five run victory. Roberts finished the game 3-4 with 2 runs and 2 RBI, Ruff had two hits and drove in four runs, while Crane and DeDecker each finished with two hits. Max Friedman (5-0) stayed perfect on the season working 6.1 solid innings striking out seven. Mark Walther wiggled out of a basesloaded jam in the 7th to pick up his 4th save of the year.

PC struck first in game two as shortstop Colin McKeen hit a solo homer with 2 outs in the second only to see the Hawks tie it on Gilles 10th home run of the year leading off the home half of the inning. After taking a 2-1 lead in the top of the 3rd. the bottom of the inning was not kind to the Cobras. Heartland used three consecutive bunt singles to load the bases. After a strike out, Gilles had a two run single to give HCC a 3-2 lead. Errors on the next two plays allowed two more runs to score as Heartland grabbed a 5-2 lead. The two teams traded runs in the 4th as McKeen scored on a DeDecker sacrifice fly and HCC's Cory Phillips hit his first home run of the year.

Four straight two out singles by the Cobras in the 5th cut the lead to 6-5 but Ruff struck out with runners at the corners to end the rally. PC threatened again in the 6th getting two runners on base with one out but a controversial call on a Nate Roberts groundout and a fly out by Michael Bradburn stranded two more runners. With one out in the 7th, McKeen was hit by a pitch and Bobby Glover's third hit of the game put the go-ahead run on base but Jared Coleman struck out the final two hitters to earn the save as the Cobras stranded six runners over the final three innings and ten for the game.McKeen and Glover both had three hits while Jordan Mitchelhill had two. Kory Rombold (1-2) was the tough luck loser for PC working five innings allowing just three earned runs while fanning six.

The #10 ranked Cobras (22-6 10-3) return to action on Tuesday afternoon with a doubleheader at Lincoln Land while #4 Heartland (20-2-1 9-1) will also return to action that same day.

PC 223 002 1 10 10 1
HCC 200 001 2 5 7 1

Friedman, Walthers (7) and Ruff
Napoleon, Krisman (4), Watters (5), Watkins (7) and Benning
W-Friedman (5-0) L-Napoleon (3-1) S-Walthers (4)

HR-Roberts (PC), Gilles (HCC), Wiesemeyer (HCC), Ruff (PC)

PC 011 120 0 5 12 3
HCC 014 100 X 6 10 3

Rombold, Worman (6) and Ruff
Juris, Coleman (6) and Benning
W-Juris (5-0) L-Rombold (1-2) S-Coleman (1)

HR-McKeen (PC), Gilles (HCC), Phillips (HCC)

4-10-09

Showdown with Heartland Set for Sunday!

The 10th ranked Cobras will travel to Bloomington, IL to play a double-header against 4th ranked Heartland Community College Sunday, April 11th beginning at 3:00 PM. Saturdays contest was cancelled due to heavy rains. The Hawks of Heartland enter the contest with a record of 19-1-1 while Parkland carries a 21-5 record.

4-10-09

Todays game versus Heartland Community College has been cancelled due to heavy rain. The Cobras will travel to Heartland Community College tomorrow to begin their M-WAC series with a double-header that is scheduled to start at 12 PM.

4-1-09

Watts powers way to Cobra sweep

Tyler Watts supplied all the pop the Cobras would need Wednesday going 5-6 with 2 home runs and 9 runs batted in, to lead the Parkland Baseball team to a 9-7 and 11-2 sweep of rival Danville Area CC.

Watts went 3-3 in the opener as PC built a 9-1 lead. His 2-run home run in the first was part of a five run inning as the Cobras cracked out six hits in the opening frame. Nate Roberts went 3-4 with 3 runs scored and Colin McKeen added 2 hits and 2 RBI as PC took a seven run lead to the 7th before DACC scored five unearned runs Darin Worman came in with the tying run at the plate but got Brandon Jones to ground out to end the contest and pick up his second save of the season. Steve Kuligowski earned his third win going six strong innings allowing just two runs while striking out five.

In the nightcap, the Cobras used the long ball to rally for the win. Trailing 2-1 in the 3rd, Kevin Kiermaier hit his 3rd home run of the season, a solo shot to tie the game at 2. The Cobras took the lead for good when Kevin Crane lead off the 3rd with a solo shot of his own, his first of the season. Crane had the big hit in the following inning as his two-run double gave the Cobras a 6-2 lead. PC put the game away loading the bases with two outs in the 6th before Watts belted his fourth home run of the year, a grandslam to deep left field.

John Perkins earned the win going four solid innings and Worman picked up his second save of the day, pitching hitless ball over the final three innings. The #15 ranked Cobras improve to (15-5 5-2) while the Jaguars fall to (10-7 3-2). The two teams are scheduled to finish their series with a 3:00 doubleheader at Danville Stadium tomorrow.

Game 1:

DACC 001 001 5 7 11 2
PC 520 110 X 9 13 2

Horn, Taylor (5), Brooks (6) and Foster
Kuligowski, Hyland (7) and Ruff

W-Kuligowski
L- Horn
S- Worman (2)

HR-WATTS (PC) Blackford (DACC)

Game 2

DACC 101 000 0 2 3 0
PC 101 135 X 11 9 2

Drake, Dennis (5) and Foster
Perkins, Worman (5) and Ruff

W-Perkins
L- Drake
S-Worman (3)

HR-Kiermaier (PC), Crane (PC), Watts (PC)

3-30-09

Cobras settle for split with John Wood

The Parkland College baseball team had to settle for a split of their M-WAC doubleheader on Monday pounding the Blazers 11-0 in the opener before falling 4-3 in the finale of the two games played at Centennial High School.

PC exploded for 10 runs in the second inning of game one sandwiching five base hits around 3 walks, 3 hit batsmen, and a Blazer error. Kevin Kiermaier, Nate Roberts, and Dan Kuhne each drove in 2 runs in the inning while Roberts and Michael Bradburn each scored twice. Max Friedman earned the win going the distance allowing just three singles while walking 1 and striking out 5 to earn his third win of the year.

In the finale, JWCC scored twice in the fourth to take a 3-1 lead but the Cobras answered back with one in the fourth and tied it on a Tyler Watts single in the 6th. In the top of the seventh John Wood used a lead-off walk, a sacrifice and an RBI single by Josey Garnett to take a 4-3 lead to the bottom of the frame. In the Cobra half, Kevin Kiermaier coaxed a walk and moved to second on a sacrifice. Kevin Crane walked to put runners at first and second with one out but winning pitcher Tyler Ruppell got Nate Roberts to ground out to first and struck out Bradburn to end the contest.

PC (13-5 3-2) will host Danville Area College at 2:00 on Tuesday in a doubleheader originally scheduled for Danville Stadium. John Wood (14-2 1-1) will host Lewis and Clark on Tuesday.

Game 1:

JWCC 000 00 0 3 2
PC 0(10) 10 X 11 8 1

Rule, Jenkins (2) and Miller
Friedman and Ruff

W-Friedman
L-Rule

Game 2:

JWCC 010 200 1 4 5 2
PC 001 101 0 3 4 2

Garnett, Ruppell (6) and Graham
Rombold, Walther (7) and Bell, Ruff (5)

W-Ruppell
L-Walther

3-22-09

Parkland earns Sunday sweep of SCI

The Parkland Baseball team used their bats in game 1 and their arms in game 2 to sweep a doubleheader from M-WAC rival Springfield College, winning by the scores of 13-8 and 4-0. The two teams split on Saturday and under new M-WAC rules, only the first three games of the series count in the conference standings. The wins improved PC to (11-4 2-1) while SCI falls to (6-8 1-2).

In the opening game, PC trailed 1-0 heading to the bottom of the fourth before scoring 5 times in the bottom of the inning. The Cobras strung together 5 hits, a walk, a hit-by-pitch, and a Bulldog error to score their runs. PC added three more in the sixth before SCI tallied 5 runs of their own in the 7th to cut the margin to 8-6. SCI could get no closer as the Cobras tacked on 2 runs in the seventh, and put the game away with 3 more in the eighth.

Lead-off hitter Kevin Kiermaier led PC going 3-5 with a home run, four runs scored and 2 RBI. Jordan Mitchelhill and Kevin Crane each had 3 hits and drove in a pair of runs while Nate Roberts and Rich Ruff also drove in two. Kurt Dudley led SCI going 3-6 with 2 RBI and Roman Ricker drove in a pair.

In the nightcap, freshman Danny Winkler and Richie Ollier combined on the four-hit shutout. Winkler worked the first four, allowing just two hits while walking two and striking out four. Ollier relieved in the fifth and worked three strong innings allowing two hits while walking one and striking out eight tp pick up the save.

PC scored the only run they would need in the first when Roberts had a two-out double and scored on an RBI single by Tyler Watts. Dan Plecki drove in a run in the third with a sacrifice fly and Roberts had a 2 run double in the fourth to round out the scoring. Roberts led PC going 2-2 with a walk, stolen base, 2 runs and 2 RBI while Dan Kuhne also had two hits. Kyle Krager had two of SCI's four base knocks.

Baseball opens M-WAC play with split

The two teams who have won the last seven M-WAC titles battled on the opening weekend of conference play as Parkland and Springfield College split a pair of games with the Cobras winning game 1 14-8 and SCI rallying to win the finale 2-1 in 8 innings.

The #14 ranked Cobras trailed 7-3 after four innings but exploded for 11 runs over the next two innings to pull away for the win. Three Parkland players had multiple hit games to pace the 14 hit attack as Michael Bradburn led the way going 4-4 with a home run, 3 runs scored and 3 runs driven in. Kevin Crane went 3-5 with 3 RBI and Nate Roberts homered and finished 2-4 with 2 RBI. Lead-off hitter Kevin Kiermaier scored three times while Collin DeDecker and Rich Ruff also drove in a pair of runs. Max Friedman worked the first four innings to improve to (2-0) while Darin Worman pitched a solid three innings of relief to earn the save.

Game 2 was a pitcher's duo as the two teams were scoreless after five innings. Bradburn drove in the Cobras only run of the game with a sacrifice fly but Kyle Krager tied the game with a solo shot in the bottom of the frame. The #6 Bulldogs won the game in the bottom of the 8th when Kurt Dudley doubled to left center and scored later on a Roman Ricker single up the middle. Kory Rombold worked a solid six innings allowing just one run on three hits while striking out 7.

Parkland is now (9-4 1-1) while SCI is (6-6 1-1). The two teams will meet again on Sunday in Champaign for the rubber game of the three game set. This will be a nine-inning contest followed by a seven inning game that does not count in the M-WAC standings.

Parkland 101 165 0 14 14 2
SCI 300 410 0 8 9 3

Friedman, Worman (5) and Ruff
Hoelscher, Newell (5), Gand (7) and Baker

W-Friedman (2-0)
L-Hoelscher (0-3)
S-Worman (1)

HR-Krager (SCI), Baker (SCI), Bradburn (PC), Roberts (PC)

Parkland 000 001 00 1 5 2
SCI 000 001 01 2 5 3

Rombold, Walther (7) and Ruff
Canterbury, Schoonover (7) and Krager

W-Schoonover (2-1)
L- Walther (1-1)

HR-Krager (SCI)

2-24-09

Baseball Alum off to good starts

Parkland baseball alums Nate Weglarz (Saint Joseph's College) and Brooks Martin (Central Missouri State) are off to a great starts to begin the 2009 season. Both players have made immediate impacts at their 4 year schools.

Weglarz, a junior outfielder for Saint Joseph's College (NCAA Division II) was recently named the GLVC Player of the Week for his performance against Ouachita Baptist and West Alabama. Over the weekend Weglarz hit .388 with 6 runs scored, 6 RBI's, 2 homeruns, 2 doubles and slugged an impressive .722. Through 7 games Weglarz is hitting .333 with 4 doubles, 2 homeruns and 9 RBI's for the 16th ranked Pumas.

Martin, a RHP for Central Missouri State (NCAA Division II) was recently named the MIAA Pitcher of the Week after collecting 2 wins for the 13th ranked Mules. In his two starts Martin has pitched 8 innings and has not allowed a run. Currently he carries a 0.00 ERA while striking out 14. Opponents are hitting .107 against the former Cobra.

We wish these two, along with all alumni, the best throughout the 2009 season!

2-5-2009

Cobra Baseball Signs 10

Parkland College baseball coach Matt Kennedy announced today that the Cobras have received commitments from ten high school student-athletes that will join the baseball team for the 2009-2010 season. "Im very pleased with the young men that will be joining us next fall. All are good baseball players, but more importantly good kids that work extremely hard on the field and in the classroom." states Kennedy.

The 2009 class features five pitchers, three infielders, one outfielder and a catcher from three different states and Canada. Four players from the state of Illinois (Taylor Biggs/Casey, IL, Brent Kuper/Highland, IL, Justin Parr/Chillicothe, IL and Kyle Zegarac/Lansing, IL), Indiana (Ryan Boss/Crown Point, IN, Ryan Copley/Fort Wayne, IN, Adam Dennis/Covington, IN and Ricky Neuman/Greenfield, IN), Colorado (Brennan Williamson/Broomfield, CO) and Canada (Daniel Forte, Mississauga, Ontario).

Taylor Biggs RHP Casey, Illinois

Taylor will be coming to Parkland College from Casey-Westfield High School in Casey, Illinois where he was a two sport standout. On the mound, Biggs has compiled a 9-4 record with a 2.25 ERA and has recorded 121 strikeouts in only 80 innings pitched the past two seasons.

“We are very excited about signing Taylor. Taylor is a very athletic kid that we feel will come in and contribute on the mound immediately. Taylor pitches off his fastball and has shown good feel with his offspeed pitches, which will allow him to compete for a starting role next season”, states Coach Kennedy.

Ricky Neuman RHP Greenfield, Indiana

Ricky comes to Parkland from Greenfield Central High School located in Greenfield, Indiana. Ricky played for the Indiana Bulls this past summer.

“We are very excited to have Ricky here at Parkland. Ricky is a long, lean right handed pitcher that has a huge upside. He throws three pitches for strikes and will only get better once he physically matures. He fits a huge need on the mound for us and will be looked at to contribute immediately” says Kennedy.

Kyle Zegarac RHP Lansing, Illinois

Kyle will join the Parkland baseball program from T.F. South High School located in Lansing, Illinois. As a junior, Zegarac compiled a 2-2 record while holding opponents to a .159 average.

“Kyle will make our bullpen better when he arrives to campus next fall. He possesses a very good breaking ball that he can throw at any time in the count. He is a very confident kid that will be looked upon to close for us during the 2010 season. We are very excited to have Kyle join our program” says Kennedy.

Adam Dennis RHP Covington, Indiana

Adam will join the Parkland baseball team from Covington High School located in Covington, IN. Last season Adam threw 36 innings holding his opponents to a .191 average and striking out 45.

“We are excited to have Adam join our program here at Parkland. Adam is another quality arm that we have added to this year’s class that will provide us depth next season. Adam throws 3 pitches for strikes and we only see him getting better in the future” says Kennedy.

Ryan Copley LHP Fort Wayne, Indiana

Ryan comes to Parkland College from Homestead High School located in Fort Wayne, Indiana where he was a member of the 2008 Homestead baseball team that finished 2nd in the state where he finished with a 3-0 record along with two saves. Ryan played with the Fort Wayne Cubs over the summer season where he compiled a 6-2 record. Ryan will join former Homestead teammate, and current Cobra, Bob Glover next season.

Coach Kennedy says this of Copley, “Ryan is a quality left handed pitcher that eats innings and will add depth to our pitching staff. Ryan has the ability to throw three pitches for strikes at any time in the count and will be looked upon to play a key part in the 2010 season.”

Brennan Williamson 3B/1B Broomfield, Colorado

Brennan comes to Parkland College from Broomfield High School in Broomfield, Colorado where he has been a two year starter. Over the summer and fall season, Brennan played for the Colorado Rockies Scout Team where he compiled a .373 average to go along with 32 doubles and 19 homeruns.

“Brennan has the chance to be a very special player here at Parkland. Brennan comes from a baseball oriented family and knows the game well. He is a very hard working kid that is only starting to tap into his potential. I look for Brennan to make an immediate impact in the middle of our lineup as well as providing solid defense to our corner infield”, states Coach Kennedy.

Daniel Forte OF Mississauga, Ontario

Daniel comes to Parkland from Mississauga, Ontario where he played for the Oakville Royals. Last season Daniel hit for a .351 average to go along with 15 doubles, 8 homeruns, stole 18 bags and drove in 40 runs.

“We are very pleased to have Daniel joining our program here at Parkland. Daniel is a versatile player from the offensive side that will allow him to hit for both average and power and adds another dimension as he is a good base-runner. In the outfield he shows an above average arm and the ability to chase down the baseball” states Kennedy.

Ryan Boss 1B Crown Point, Indiana

Ryan comes to Parkland from Lake Central High School located in Saint John, IN. Last season Ryan helped lead the Indians to a 22-9 record and a Sectional Championship. During the 2008 season, Boss hit .410 with 9 doubles and 16 homeruns while driving in 52 runs.

“We are extremely excited about Ryan coming to Parkland. Ryan has the ability to be a big time hitter in this league. He has shown he can hit for power and is very athletic around the bag which will help tremendously. Ryan will be looked upon immediately to contribute both offensively and defensively” states Kennedy.

Brent Kuper C Highland, Illinois

Brent will come to Parkland from Highland High School located in Highland, IL. Last season Brent played a key part in helping Highland capture the 2008 3A state title by hitting clean-up and compiling a .337 average with 12 doubles, 2 homeruns and driving in 36.

“Brent will be a great addition to our program. He is a rock behind the plate and has shown promise at the plate. Brent is a big bodied catcher that I see only getting better once he physically matures. Brent will play a key part in our future success here at Parkland” says Kennedy.

Justin Parr INF Chillicothe, Illinois

Justin joins the Parkland baseball team from Illinois Valley Central High School in Chillicothe, Illinois where he helped lead the Grey Ghosts to the state finals last season.

“Justin is a very athletic kid that can play all over the field. He possesses a strong arm with soft hands that will allow him to play all over the infield. Justin is a gamer that knows how to play the game. Justin is the type of player that Parkland needs to continue our rich baseball tradition,” says Coach Kennedy.

The Cobras open the 2009 season on Saturday March 7th as they travel to Ina, Illinois and face Rend Lake in a doubleheader and then travel to St. Louis, Missouri to take on Florrissant Valley in a doubleheader on Sunday March 8th. The Cobras open up at home on Sunday March 22nd in a conference match-up with Springfield College.

11-20-2008

Head Coach Matt Kennedy has announced that Parkland College Baseball will be hosting its annual baseball clinics starting in January. There will be four sessions (Jan. 11, 18, 25 and Feb. 8) that will run 50 minutes per session. Players should bring their own equipment and the cost per session will be $50 per player as they will receive a camp t-shirt. To print out registration form please click on the link below.

2009 Winter Hitting Clinic (Grades 3-12)

2009 Winter Pitching/Catching Clinic (Grades 9-12)

8-26-2008

Head Coach Matt Kennedy has announced that Parkland College Baseball will be hosting a High School Fall Baseball Showcase on Sunday, October 12th from 10am to 1pm. The camp will allow prospective student-athletes to showcase their talent in front on the Parkland College baseball coaching staff. Players should bring their own equipment and the cost of the camp will be $40 per player as they will receive a camp t-shirt. To print out a registration form please click on the link below.

2008 High School Fall Showcase Camp

5-16-08

Parkland freshman outfielder Kevin Crane came up the big winner in post-season awards named by the M-WAC and Region 24 after a coaches vote. Crane was named First Team All-Conference, All-Region, and All-District, and will be an All-American nominee. Crane led the team in hitting with a .459 batting average as well as 12 HR's and 58 RBI. His average is the third highest in Cobra history behind only Dave Wise who hit .493 in 1981 and Zach Skidmore .460 in 2007. He was the runner-up as the M-WAC Freshman of the Year and was a top three finisher in Player of the Year voting.

Crane was joined as a first team All-MWAC honoree by sophomore pitcher Spencer Patton. Patton finished 9-2 with a 3.79 ERA walking just 13 batters while striking out 72 in just 57 innings of work. Opponent hitters batted just .240 on the season as he appeared in 13 games, 9 as a starter.

Three Parkland players earned Honorable Mention recognition. They include sophomore outfielder Nathan Weglarz who hit .412 with 5 HR and 34 RBI and 17 stolen bases. He also led the team with 24 doubles, a mark that places him second in school history in that category. Second baseman Calvin Frey (.354 3 HR 30 RBI) and catcher Rich Ruff ( .397 5 HR 40 RBI) also were selected in a vote of conference coaches.

The Cobras ended the season (37-16-1) after losing to Springfield College 5-4 in the Region 24 title game on Monday.

5-14-08

Springfield College scored the winning run in the bottom of the 9th inning as the Bulldogs edged Parkland 5-4 to win their second straight Region 24 title. The Cobras has earned a spot in the championship game earlier in the day by rallying to knock off Heartland 5-3. PC ends the season at (38-16-1) while SCI advances to play the Longview/Forest Park winner and a spot at the NJCAA World Series.

Listed below are recaps of the Region 24 games:

PC 4 Heartland 3

Spencer Patton pitched 7 strong innings allowing just two earned runs while striking out nine and Israel Martinez picked up the win working a perfect final two innings as the Cobras held on to beat the Hawks. PC grabbed an early 3-0 lead only to see the Hawks rally to tie the score before the Cobras won it in the 9th. Nathan Weglarz led off with a single, moved to second on a wild pitch, and was sacrificed to third by Caleb King. HCC intentionally walked Kevin Crane and Michael Bradburn to load the bases but Hawks reliever Jimmy Suits walked Elliott Pisarczyk to force in the winning run. Martinez issued a one-out walk before striking out the side to get the win. Crane and Weglarz each had three hits in the game while Bradburn drove in a pair of runs.

Springfield 7 PC 4

PC jumped out to a 3-0 lead but SCI rallied late for the victory. The Cobras struck three times in the first on an RBI single by Crane and a two-run blast off the bat of Bradburn. SCI rallied to tie it with three runs in the fourth and took control of the game with a three run outburst in the seventh. Alex Urbas two run double was the big blow. Bradburn was the only PC player with multiple hits gathering 2 hits and 2 RBI.

Parkland 5 Heartland 3

Rich Ruff's two-run home run in the top of the 9th broke a 3-all tie to send the Cobra into the title game. The game was started on Saturday night but was suspended due to rain in the 7th inning with the Cobras down a run. Rain and wind canceled the game again on Sunday before the two team's resumed play Monday afternoon. Ruff tied the game with an RBI double in the 7th before hitting the game winning blast. Israel Martinez again came up big working three innings of outstanding relief striking out six, including the final four hitters in the game.

SCI 5 Parkland 4

JD Long's single between short and third drove home Joel Washko with the winning run to send SCI to the title. PC went ahead early on a two-run single by Lance Hanmer before SCI scored three times in the third to grab a one-run lead. The game stayed tied until the 7th when Thomas Norris led off with a single and scored one out later on a double by Caleb King. In the top of the 8th, Jordan Mitchelhill was called on to pinch hit and he hit a solo shot to give PC a 4-3 lead. Greg VanLeer answered right back for SCI with a solo shot of his own to lead off the bottom of the inning. PC was retired in order in their half of the ninth before Long delivered his game winning hit.

5-4-08

The Parkland Baseball team scored 12 runs over the first three innings and cruised to a 15-0 win over Lincoln Land on Sunday to win the PC Sub-Regional. The victory moves the Cobras (35-14-1) into the Region 24 Tourney next Friday-Sunday at Lanphier Park in Springfield. A combination of timely hitting and strong stating pitching was the key to PC's success over the weekend. PC scored 42 runs and pounded out 60 hits while all three Cobra starters went at least seven innings and allowed only five earned runs.

On Sunday, PC scored six runs in the second on just three hits, one on a 2-run blast by Kevin Crane. The Cobras tallied six more runs in the third with Crane driving in two more runs with a single. Meanwhile Cobra starter Steve Kuligowski (3-0) was shutting down the Loggers allowing just five hits and striking out eight. Max Friedman relieved in the eighth and struck out four of the six hitters he faced.

Hitting stars for day were Nathan Weglarz (3-6 3 runs 2 RBI), Caleb King (2-3 2 runs 2 RBI), Rich Ruff (3-3 2 2 RBI), Lance Hanmer (2-4 2 runs), and Elliott Pisarczyk (2-5 2 RBI). For the three games Weglarz was (11-17) Crane (8-15), Ruff (10-13), and Martin (5-12).

4-28-08

The big inning proved to be the down fall as the ICC Cougars took all three games from the Parkland Baseball team over the weekend dropping the Cobras out of the conference title chase and into third place with just two days remaining in the regular season. The Cobras lost on Sunday 6-5 after falling to ICC 14-10 and 10-8 on Saturday in East Peoria.

In Sunday's home game, PC broke a 2-2 tie and took a 4-2 lead into the 8th when Dan Kuhne stroked a single to right to drive in a pair of runs. But just like they did on Saturday, ICC answered right back tying the game on a two-run home run by Kory Donaldson and going ahead on a two-run double by Drew Koeppel. PC cut the lead to one when Kuhne singled in another run in the bottom of the 9th but pinch-hitter Jordan Mitchelhill grounded out with the tying run on base to end the game. Nathan Weglarz and Kevin Crane both had two hits while Elliott Pisarczyk scored twice.

ICC 14 PC 10

ICC scored 10 runs in the bottom of the first inning after Kevin Crane had put the Cobras up 3-0 with a home run in the top of the inning. ICC's Mark McIntryre and Brandon England both stroked three run home runs to key the uprising. PC answered right back when Crane hit his 11th home run of the year, another three-run shot to make it 10-7, but PC could get no closer the rest of the way. Crane was 2-3 with 2 HR and 6 RBI for the game while Nathan Weglarz had 3 hits and Caleb King added 2 hits and 2 RBI.

ICC 10 PC 8

Brandon England capped an amazing day as the ICC star went 4-4 and drove in 5 runs as the Cougars rallied to win. On the day, England had seven hits, drove in 10 runs, and scored five times. Tied at 2, PC scored four times in the top of the third only to see ICC come right back with four of their own. Trailing 9-6, PC closed the deficit to one, on a two-run home run by Brooks Martin, but the Cougars scored an insurance run in the 5th and PC stranded the tying runs on base in the seventh. Weglarz and Martin each collected three hits in the game while Crane and Pisarczyk added a pair of hits.

4-21-08

The Heartland Hawks scored early and often Monday to build an 11-2 lead and then held on for a 12-9 win over Parkland in a key M-WAC baseball game. The Hawks touched losing pitcher Spencer Patton (8-1) for six runs in three plus innings handing him is first defeat of the season. On the other side, winning pitcher Ryan Juris (5-0) held PC scoreless over the first four innings before putting up a pair of runs in the fifth.

For the third straight game the Cobras rallied, this time closing the margin to 11-8 and had the tying run at the plate in both the bottom of the 8th and 9th innings but could get no closer. In the eighth, PC scored twice before Michael Bradburn line out to the warning track in center and in the ninth, after pushing across a run, Nathan Weglarz lined hard to center with two men on base to end the game.

Thomas Norris drove in three of the Cobras nine runs while Kevin Crane and Caleb King each had two hits and two RBI. Lance Hanmer also had two hits and scored twice while Nathan Weglarz added to base knocks. Andrew Parsill led HCC going 4-5 with 3 RBI and four of his teammates all drove in a pair of runs with a 17-hit attack.

The loss drops PC (29-11 17-6) into a first place tie with Springfield College (26-9 16-5) pending the outcome of their game tonight versus ICC. Heartland improves to (25-11 15-6) and moves to within a game of first place in the conference with just a little over a week to go. Parkland will return to action tomorrow afternoon when they host Spoon River for two games starting at 2:00.

4-19-08

Calvin Frey doubled off the left centerfield wall in the bottom of the 7th inning chasing home Rich Ruff and Dan Kuhne with the tying and winning runs as the Cobras scored six times to rally and beat DACC 10-9. Coupled with the Cobras 10-4 win in game one, PC picked up two key conference wins to stay near the top of the race.

In the wild finale, PC trailed 9-4 headed to their last at-bat and got a lead-off single from Nathan Weglarz chasing Jaguars starting pitcher Tyler Kilburn. PC greeted DACC reliever Ryan Welty with back to back singles before Michael Bradburn flew out to the warning track in center. Elliott Piszarczyk followed with an RBI single to make it 9-6 and then Rich Ruff was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Pinch-hitter Dan Kuhne grounded into what appeared to be a game ending double play but the Jaguar shortstop misplayed the ball allowing two runs to score and helped set up Frey's game winning hit. The rally made a winner of Mark Walther (3-0) who worked 2 plus innings of relief allowing no earned runs and just three hits. Frey wand Weglarz each had three hits for PC while Caleb King, Kevin Crane, Pisarczyk, and Ruff each collected two hits in the contest.

PC trailed in game one 1-0 going to the fourth before scoring three times and adding six more in the fifth to take a 9-1 lead. Rich Ruff and Calvin Frey each were 3-4 with 2 runs scored and an RBI while Weglarz and Brooks Martin each drove in a pair of runs. Kory Rombold (4-2)earned the win going 5.1 innings and allowing three earned runs while striking out four. Parkland (28-10 16-5) will travel to Danville (18-14 11-9) for a single game on Sunday starting 1:00.

4-20-08

For the second straight game the Parkland Baseball team had to rally in their final at bat to stun rival Danville, winning by the score of 12-10.
One day after rallying from a 9-4 deficit to pull out a 10-9 win the Cobras found themselves down 7-0 after just two innings. PC scratched back to tie it at 7 only to see the Jaguars take a 10-8 lead into the 9th. Parkland left fielder Kevin Crane led off the inning with a long blast over the left field wall to cut the lead to one. Michael Bradburn followed witha double and Thomas Norris walked on four pitches. Rich Ruff was called on to sacrifice the two runners but the DACC pitcher tried to cut down the tying run at third but threw the ball into the left field corner allowing two runs to score. Lance Hanmer sacrificed Ruff to 3rd and he later scored on a balk. Parkland reliever Brooks Martin (4-3) retired the side in order in the bottom of the inning to earn the victory. The sophomore worked three innings allowing no hits while striking out four. Martin came on in relief of John Perkins who kept the Cobras in the game giving up no earned runs in 4 plus innings of work and struck out eight.

Crane was the big hitter for PC going 4-5 with 3 RBI and 3 runs scored including a home run, his seventh of the season. Nathan Weglarz went 3-4 with 2 runs and Michael Bradburn was 3-5 with a pair of runs scored while Rich Ruff drove in two. The hard fought win improves #19 Parkland to (29-10 17-5) a half-game ahead of Springfield College in the battle for first place while DACC drops to (18-15 11-10). Next up for PC is Heartland at 3:00 on Monday at PC.

4-17-08

Michael Bradburn went 3-4 and drove in 6 runs to back the strong pitching of Steve Kuligowski and John Perkins as the #19 ranked PC baseball team pounded league leading and #7 Springfield College 14-1 to move within a half game of first place in the M-WAC with just under two weeks left in the regular season.

The Cobras took control of the game early scoring three times in the first as Bradburn chased two runs home with an RBI single. PC tacked on three more in the second, and put the game away scoring three times in the fourth and five times in the fifth. Other hitting stars for PC were Kevin Crane who went 3-3 with 3 runs scored and 3 RBI, Caleb King who was 4-5 and scored four runs, and Elliott Pisarczyk who had two hits and 2 runs batted in.

Kuligowski, a freshman left-hander, worked the first five innings allowing one run on six hits and struck out four. John Perkins worked the final two innings giving up just one hit and striking out three. After a much needed day off, Parkland (26-10 14-5) will return to action this weekend with a three game series versus rival DACC (18-12 11-7).

4-16-08

For almost two years Cobra sophomore Brooks Martin has been one of Parkland's top hurlers but on Thursday, in his first start as a position player, Martin was the hitting star. The Streator native hit a first pitch fastball well over the left field wall in his first at bat of the season and stayed hot going 4-6 with 3 runs scored and 4 RBI to lead the Parkland Baseball team to a 19-8 win over Lincoln College. Parkland pounded out 19 runs on 19 hits in improving to (25-10 13-5) while the Lynx fell to (8-17 5-12).

PC trailed 4-3 heading to the fifth when they scored four times to take control of the game. Martin and Nathan Weglarz each had two run singles to key the rally. After Lincoln cut the lead to 7-6, PC scored 12 runs over the final three innings to pull away. Elliott Pisarczyk drove in 3 runs, two coming on a home run, and Drew Brooks scored three times and drove in a pair to key the uprising. For the day hitting stars included: Weglarz who went 3-5 with 4 RBI, and Caleb King who was 2-4 with 2 RBI and an inside-the park home run. Kevin Crane, and Calvin Frey also had two hits each and Lance Hanmer scored four times.

Gerry Martinez (2-0) earned the victory with three solid innings of work in relief of starter Dan Clifford while Michael Laird worked a scoreless final inning to wrap up the win. Parkland gets right back at it on Thursday with a single game against league leading and #7 ranked Springfield College in a game to be played at Lanphier Park in Springfield. The two teams split a doubleheader on Tuesday.

4-15-08

The Parkland Baseball team knocked seven home runs out of Illinois Field on Tuesday afternoon but could only come away with a split, winning game one 12-0 but falling in the finale 5-3. Parkland rushed out to a 7-0 lead hitting three home runs in the bottom of the first. Nathan Weglarz opened the scoring with a shot to left center, Caleb King walked on four pitches ahead of Kevin Crane's shot over the 400 foot sign in center to make it 3-0. Lance Hanmer's line drive over the NCAA sign in right put the Cobras up 7-0 which was more than enough runs for winning pitcher Spencer Patton (8-0). Patton, held the Bulldogs to just three hits while walking one and striking out three. PC scored four more times in the second off losing pitcher David Miller (5-1), two coming on Crane's blast over the scoreboard in left and another on a solo homer by Michael Bradburn. Crane finished the game 3-3 with RBI while Hanmer was 2-2 with 4 RBI. Patrick Sheehan had 2 of SCI's three hits.

In game two, PC jumped ahead 1-0 on Crane's third home run of the day and led 2-1 before SCI scored three times in the third. Alex Urbas tied the game with an RBI single, and the go ahead run scored on a fielders choice by Michael Hurt. PC cut the lead to 4-3 on a Lance Hanmer homer but SCI answered back with an unearned run in the sixth. The Cobras threatened in the seventh getting the first two men on, but Bulldog reliever Matt Miller struck out the next two hitters and got an infield ground out to seal the victory. Randy Piper (3-0) picked up the win and Miller earned his third save while Brooks Martin (3-3) took the loss. Lance Hanmer was 2-2 with 2 runs scored for PC while Greg VanLeer had 2 hits and Michael Reese scored twice for SCI. With the split, the Bulldogs (24-7 14-3) kept their two game lead over the Cobras (24-10 12-5). Next up for PC will be a 3:00 single game at Lincoln on Wednesday afternoon.

3-30-08

Parkland pounded out 27 runs and 30 hits on Saturday to sweep Lewis and Clark 10-6 and 17-1 in a pair of M-WAC contests. The Cobras rallied from a 6-4 deficit in game 1, scoring four times, in the bottom of the 4th and two more in the 5th to make a winner of Mark Walther (2-0) who allowed just one hit and no runs in 3 and 1/3 innings of relief. Brett VanAsldlen's two-run single in the 4th put the Cobras ahead to stay. VanAsdlen had 2 hits and 3 RBI in the contest while Kevin Crane went 4-4 with 3 runs scored and 2 RBI.

Eight straight Cobra hitters started game two with base hits as PC exploded for 15 runs on 13 hits in the opening inning to cruise to the win. Five different players had two hits in the inning, led by Calvin Frey who had a grand slam home run and two runs scored. Caleb King had 3 hits and 3 runs scored, Crane went 3-4 with 4 RBI, and Lance Hanmer and Brett VanAsdlen each had two hits and two RBI.

John Perkins (1-2) worked three innings to pick up the win with relief help from Gerry Martinez and Michael Laird.
The wins improve PC to (17-5 5-0) while Lewis and Clark falls to (9-4 4-2). The two teams will complete their three game series with a single game tomorrow at 1:00 at L&C.

3-26-08

Parkland scored three times each in the first and third innings and hung on for an 8-4 win and a series sweep of Shawnee. The win improved the Cobras, winner's of 15 of their last 16 games, to (15-5 3-0) while Shawnee fell to (4-7 0-5).

The Cobras did most of their damage on Wednesday after two were out. In the first, Kevin Crane reached on a two-out single, Brett VanAsdlen walked, and Michael Bradburn followed with an RBI single. Rich Ruff plated two more runs with a triple into the right field corner. Caleb King made it 4-0 Cobras with a solo home run leading off the fifth before Shawnee got on the board with a run in the sixth and two more in the seventh. King raced home on a wild pitch to put PC ahead 5-3 in the bottom of the seventh before the Cobras scored three times in the 8th. Caleb once again came up big stroking a two-run triple to right center and Crane drove King home with a single. King finished 2-3 for the day with 3 RBI, Michael Bradburn had three hits, while Crane and Calvin Frey each had two hits.

Kory Romold earned the win improving to (2-1) working six solid innings allowing just one run while striking out seven. Max Friedman, one of four Cobra relievers, earned the save allowing just one hit in 1 and 1/3 innings of relief. Parkland is off until Saturday when they will host Lewis and Clark (8-2 4-0) in a 1:00 doubleheader.

3-25-08

Spencer Patton worked six scoreless innings while striking out a career high 12 and Kevin Crane drove in 5 runs, three coming on a three run home run to help lead the Parkland Baseball team to a 9-1 win over visiting Shawnee in the second game of a double header at Cobra Field. PC also won game one, rallying from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Saints 4-3.

Patton, a sophomore right-hander from South Central HS, threw his best game of the young season allowing just two hits and walking one to improve to (5-0) on the season. Crane stroked a two-run single in the third and lined his third home run of the year over the left field fence to push across the Cobras final three runs of the contest. Lead-off hitter Nathan Weglarz also had a big game reaching base and scoring all four times on two walks, a hit-by-pitch, and a double.

In the opener, sloppy defense allowed the Saints to take a 3-1 lead into the fifth inning before PC scored three times. Weglarz led off with a double and Caleb King followed with an infield single. Pinch-hitter Michael Bradburn sacrificed the two runners over. Weglarz scored on a wild pitch and Brett VanAsdlen tied the game at 3 with a single to left. Crane followed with a single and Rich Ruff chased home the eventual game winning run with a double to right. Israel Martinez came on in relief with one on in the sixth and allowed just one runner to reach base over the final two innings to earn his fourth save of the season. Brooks Martin got the start and improved to (2-1) allowing just one earned run.

Parkland (14-5 2-0) will wrap up their series with the Saints (4-6 0-4) with a single nine-inning game tomorrow starting at 2:00.

Game 1:

Shawnee 100 200 0 3 3 3
PC 010 030 X 4 9 5

Adams, Perry (5) and Kelley
Martin, Walther (6), I. Martinez (6) and Ruff

W-Martin (2-1) L-Adams (1-1) S-Martinez (4)

Game 2:

Shawnee 000 000 0 1 4 2
PC 112 113 X 9 6 5

Heath, Topps (5), Smith (6) and Kelley
Patton, G. Martinez (7) and Pisarczyk

W-Patton (5-0) L-Heath (0-2)

HR-Crane (PC)

3-24-08

After 20 years of going to different destinations in Florida for their annual Spring Trip, the Parkland Baseball team tested out a new destination and found it to be to their liking. Participating in the 2nd Annual "Ripken Experience" Spring Classic the Cobras went 8-1 during their eight day stay with two wins over nationally ranked opponents and three victories over NJCAA Division 1 programs. Pitching was especially strong for PC which allowed four runs or less in each of the nine games. After a tough start, Parkland is now 12-5 on the season and has wins in 12 of their last 13 games. Included in those wins are two victories over #1 ranked Longview as well as wins over #6 Frederick and #16 Lackawanna. Weather permitting the Cobras will play their first home games of the season on Tuesday whey they host M-WAC foe Shawnee CC starting at 2:00. Below is a brief summary of each contest.

Parkland 5 Lakeland, Ohio 4

In their opening game, PC faced an undefeated (8-0) Lakeland team and found themselves trailing 4-2 going to the bottom of the fifth before Brett VanAsdlen tied the game with a two-run double to left. Still tied with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, designated hitter Michael Bradburn crushed a 2-1 pitch over the left field fence for the walk-off victory. Bradburn's blast was a towering shot which cleared the pond located behind the wall in left. Nathan Weglarz added 2 hits and 2 runs scored for the Cobras. Brooks Martin worked 6 and 2/3 innings walking none and striking out 11 before being relieved by Israel Martinez who earned the win retiring the only hitter he faced with a runner on second base.

Parkland 4 Lackawanna, PA. 3 8 inn.

In a match up of two pre-season ranked teams, the #10 Cobras rallied for two in the bottom of the 8th for the victory. The two teams went to extra innings tied at two before #16 Lackawanna broke the tie with a lead off home run to start the eighth. In the bottom of the inning, Drew Brooks started the inning with a pinch hit double to left and Nathan Weglarz reached on a bunt single to put runners at the corners. Caleb King singled to tie the game and Jordan Mitchelhill's infield chopper pushed Weglarz across the plate with the winning run. Spencer Patton picked up the win with three strong innings of relief. Patton and starter Kory Rombold each struck out six Indian hitters.

Parkland 4 Garrett, MD. 2

Max Friedman and Izzy Martinez combined to shut down Garrett in the two run victory. Friedman worked five solid innings allowing just two runs while striking out four and Martinez nailed down the save with two scoreless innings of relief. PC built a 3-0 lead behind RBI from Bradburn, King, and Rich Ruff and added an insurance run in the 7th on a sacrifice fly by Thomas Norris.

Lackawanna 4 Parkland 2

The Indians earned a measure of revenge by ending the Cobras seven game winning streak with the 4-2 win. After falling behind 2-0, PC scored their only two runs of the game on a two-run single by Norris. Kevin Craig earned the win going the distance allowing the Cobras just two runs on six hits while striking out six. Lance Hanmer had two of the Cobras hits while John Perkins absorbed the loss despite allowing just two earned runs in four innings.

Parkland 4 Mercer County, NJ. 3

For the third time in five games PC used a late game rally to steal the win. Trailing 3-2 going to the bottom of the seventh, Kevin Crane hit the first pitch of the inning over the right field wall to tie the game at 3. Thomas Norris then walked but was forced at second on a failed sacrifice attempt by Jordan Mitchehill. Mitchelhill promptly stole second base and raced across home plate with the winning run on Caleb King's double into the gap in right center. The rally made a winner of reliever Mark Walther who worked the final two innings to earn the win. Walther allowed just one hit in relief of starter Dan Clifford who allowed one earned run over the first five innings.

Parkland 12 County College of Morris, NJ. 3

The PC bats finally came to life as the Cobras scored a season high 12 runs on 11 hits to defeat CCM. The game belonged to shortstop Calvin Frey who went 3-4 with a home run, two doubles, two runs scored, and five RBI. Michael Bradburn also hit a home run, scored three times, and drove in a pair of runs while Elliot Pisarczyk went 2-3 with 2 RBI. Gerry Martinez picked up his first win of the year working two perfect innings and Michael Laird allowed just one run over the final three innings to earn the save.

Parkland 12 Muscatine, IA. 1

The Cobras scored early and often as they pounded D-1 Muscatine 12-1 on Thursday afternoon. After falling behind 1-0 in the top of the first, the Cobras came right back to score six times in the bottom of the frame. Rich Ruff's three run homer to right was the big blow while Crane, Weglarz, and VanAsdlen all drove in a run. Thomas Norris plated two more runs in the second with a single and Kevin Crane ended the contest after just five innings with a two-run triple. Crane and Ruff each drove in three runs on the day while Norris and VanAsdlen drove in a pair. Lance Hanmer scored three times to help make a winner of Max Friedman who worked four scoreless innings in relief to earn his second win of the trip.

Parkland 6 Garrett, MD. 4

Once again PC scored early and held on for a wild 6-4 victory. Lance Hanmer's two-run single and Brett VanAsdlen's two-run homer put PC ahead 4-0 in the opening inning. PC still led 5-1 headed to the bottom of the fifth before Garrett rallied for three runs. Garrett threatened to score more but reliever Israel Martinez got the final out of the inning with two runners in scoring position. Things got even tighter for the Cobras in the sixth as Garrett loaded the bases with nobody out but Martinez struck out the next two hitters and got the final out on a ground ball to short. PC added an insurance run in the top of the inning on an RBI by Pisarczyk and Martinez sealed the win allowing just a two-out walk in the 7th. Spencer Patton improved to (4-0) and Martinez earned his third save.

Parkland 7 Frederick, MD. 3

PC concluded their trip with a win over World Series rival and #6 ranked Frederick 7-3. PC has faced Frederick six times at the Series and defeated them in the 2002 championship game. The Cobras trailed 3-0 after two innings but used the bunting game to rally for the win. Trailing 3-1, PC led off the bottom of the fourth with a double and then used bunts by four straight hitters to score three times. Two bunt singles and two Frederick errors contributed to the rally. PC again used the bunt to score three more times in the fifth as two more FCC errors and a two-run single by Norris put the game out of reach. Kory Rombold won his first game of the season giving up three runs and striking out four in six innings of work.

3-10-08

The Parkland College Baseball team received several strong pitching performances on Saturday as they swept #1 ranked and defending D-II National Champions Longview, by the scores of 10-2 and 2-1. In game 1, Parkland scored early and often putting up three runs in the first, two in the second, and three more in the third to build an 8-2 lead. Lance Hamner drove in a pair in the first and added a solo home run in the third while Nathan Weglarz added a two-run double to pace the Cobra offense. Brooks Martin earned the win working five strong innings allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out five. Mark Walthers worked a scoreless final two innings to seal the win.

In game two, three Cobra pitchers combined for 16 strikeouts as PC held on for the one-run victory. Trailing 1-0 going to the fifth, PC's Kevin Crane squeezed across Michael Bradburn with the tying run. In the sixth, Jordan Mitchelhill's RBI double scored Weglarz to put the Cobras ahead to stay. Kory Rombold worked four strong innings allowing one run while striking out eight, Spencer Patton picked up the win going 1.2 innings striking out five, and Izzy Martinez earned the save working out of a seventh inning jam striking out the final hitter of the game with the tying run on second and the winning run on first. PC will return to action this weekend at the Cal Ripken Tournament in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

2-12-08

Four members of the Parkland College Baseball and Softball teams have been named Pre-Season NJCAA D-II All-Americans by the NJCAA. Second baseman Lindsay Watkins and center fielder Beth Current were named in Softball while pitcher Brooks Martin and outfielder Caleb King were named in Baseball.

Watkins (Olympia HS) led the Cobras in hitting last season with a .479 average and a .610 on-base percentage. She was second in hits (78), doubles (16), triples (7), and third in runs (51). Current (Bloomington HS) hit .370 with 5 HR's and 48 RBI as a freshman. She also had 5 doubles, 5 triples, and was a perfect 12-12 in stolen bases.

Martin (Streator HS) compiled an 8-1 record and a 2.38 ERA last season leading the Cobras in starts (12), strikeouts (56), and complete games (5). King (Mahomet-Seymour HS) hit .370 as the Cobras lead-off hitter with a .470 on-base percentage. Caleb also had 4 HR and 44 RBI and scored a team-high 65 runs. He also had 15 doubles, 25 walks, and 7 stolen bases.

The #2 ranked Softball team is scheduled to open play on Sunday March 2nd at John A Logan while the #10 Baseball team hopes to get underway Friday February 29 in Enid, Oklahoma against Northern Oklahoma and Redlands CC.

Full teams are listed at www.njcaa.org

2-2-08

The PC Baseball team comes in at #10 coming off a 45-14 season where the Cobras were upset in the Region 24 tourney. PC has been to the World Series four times since 2001, winning the National Championship in 2002.

This year's schedule might be their most difficult with a season opening trip to Oklahoma where they will play #16 Redlands and the host school Northern Oklahoma. The following weekend they will play a pair of games against top-ranked an defending National Champs Longview and on their first ever spring trip to Myrtle Beach, the Cobras will face #6 Frederick CC of Maryland and #16 Lackawanna CC of Pennsylvania.

Parkland College • 2400 West Bradley Avenue • Champaign, IL 61821 • 217/351-2200 • 800/346-8089
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