Richland Opens World Series Saturday vs. Northern Essex

NJCAA DIII WORLD SERIES | SELECTION SHOW

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Dallas College Richland will meet Northern Essex Community College 6:15 p.m. CT Saturday to open the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III World Series at Falcon Park in Auburn, New York.

The eight-team double-elimination World Series runs from Saturday to May 29.

Richland (35-22) is the No. 4 seed in the national tournament. Northern Essex (32-8) is the No. 5 seed.

The Thunderducks coasted through the NJCAA South Central District Tournament for a second straight year, outscoring their three opponents 29-6. Richland enters the World Series on a six-game winning streak.

Northern Essex beat Suffolk Community College 14-11 in the Northeast District title game. The Warriors enter the World Series on a 14-game winning streak.

Richland has eight starters hitting over .300, with sophomore first baseman Trey Smith carrying a team-leading .444 average, nation-leading 30 doubles, 13 home runs and 70 RBI. Sophomore outfielder Jordan Owns is batting .367 with seven doubles, two triples, 22 RBI and 17 stolen bases. Sophomore right fielder Sean Amarante is hitting .351 with 12 homers, 14 doubles and 65 RBI. The Thunderducks are hitting .311 as a team.

Thunderducks sophomore right-handed pitcher Bron Farr is 7-3 with a 2.73 earned run average and 47 strikeouts in 102.1 innings. Sophomore lefty Braeden Baker is 3-1 with a 4.55 ERA in six starts, and is coming off a five-inning complete game masterpiece in the district semifinals at No. 4 Dallas College Eastfield. Freshman right-handers Logan Sanders (1-0, 1 save, 3.63 ERA, 13 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings) and Jaylen Cream (3-1, 2 saves, 3.75 ERA, 38 strikeouts in 36 innings) have been reliable out of the bullpen.

Northern Essex's Manuel Castro is hitting .460 with 11 doubles, six triples, six homers, 51 RBI and 34 stolen bases. Anthony Marino is hitting .412 with 15 doubles, six triples, two homers, 35 RBI and 40 stolen bases. They are two of eight Warriors hitting over .300. Northern Essex is hitting .360.

Jack Sarno is 5-1 with one save, a 4.40 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 45 innings pitched. Jack Kelleher is 5-1 with a 3.32 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 43 1/3 innings. Eric Bridges is 2-0 with a save, 0.93 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 15 appearances. Larsen Burch is 6-0 with two saves and a 1.46 ERA. Francis Comeau is 5-0 with a 2.10 ERA and 33 strikeouts in eight appearances. Enger Paulino is 1-1 with two saves, 33 strikeouts and a 3.38 ERA in 13 appearances.

Two-time defending champion Rowan College South Jersey-Gloucester is the lone at-large team in the field. Gloucester is the No. 2 seed. SUNY Niagra is the No. 1 seed.