NMJC Baseball in Regionals But Woes Continue

May 1 -- Hobbs, NM. This weekend's tournament turned out to be a split for NMJC. First they won 5-2 against Odessa College. Next they lost to Midland in a 5-6 heartbreaker. Then they bounced back to win 17-2 against Odessa again, finally they lost to Midland once more 12-2. “We had a good tournament. We made it to the Regional Championship,” Coach Ray Birmingham said.

They leave for the playoffs this Friday and travel to McMurray College in Abilene, Texas. The top eight teams in New Mexico and Texas are pitted against one another. However, last weekend NMJC roster took another blow to grow weaker still. Shortstop, second base, third base and left field starters were all removed from their positions due to either the flu or injuries. “It just keeps happening. It’s unbelievable,” said Birmingham. Despite the misery that plaques this ball club, there still are players that manage to shine. Grant Alexander played very well with 7 RBI’s (two homers and a triple) in the 17-2 rout against Odessa.

There is some good news for the baseball team this year though. All 10 juniors are going places. Mitch Goins looks as if he will be drafted by the Kansas City Royals; Luis Rodriguez looks as if he will be drafted by the White Sox; Luis Dejesus is going to sign with the Cleveland Indians; Ricky Baten and Adam Fry are going to Texas Tech; Ryan Johnson is signing with North Carolina State; Justin Ard is going to Sam Houston State; Kevin Noles and Mario Gallizi are going to Tyler; and Ryan McKeller is going to South West Texas State.