MARION, IOWA -- Ellsworth was 3 outs away from sweeping an ICCAC doubleheader with NIACC on Wednesday, but a 2-run walkoff home run allowed the Trojans to earn a split.  After ECC gained a 6-4 victory in game one, NIACC used Will Couchman's homer to take the nightcap, 10-9.

The Panthers broke a 4-all tie with a pair of runs in the top of the 6th to get the game one W.  Jose Roche had two hits and 3 RBIs and the other runs were driven in by Jose Valentin, Kristian Crespo and Jean Melean.  Tanner Short and Dariel Colon both scored two times and Melean and Valentin also scored.  ECC swiped 9 bases, a total that included 3 by Short and 2 apiece by Valentin, Melean and Colon.  George Hansen went the first 4 innings and fanned 7 batters.  Logan Fragomeni worked the final 3 frames and was credited with the win.  He didn't give up a hit or run and struck out 5.

In the second game, NIACC drilled 6 HRs.  ECC was on top 4-0 after 3 innings and 6-4 after 6.  NIACC tied it up in the 7th, the Panthers put up a 3-spot in the top of the 8th, but again NIACC came back with 2 in the bottom of the inning before the game-winning long ball.  Sergio Natera and Roche homered as part of ECC's 12-hit attack that included a half dozen extra base hits.,  Natera, Valentin and Colon had 2-hit games and the 9 RBIs were spread among Natera, Melean and Roche who had 3 apiece.  Nick Chasey and Roche scored 2 runs each.  Ellsworth stole 5 more bases, 2 by Melean, giving him 4 for the day.  The Panthers employed 4 pitchers and all of them gave up at least one homer and permitted at least 2 runs.  Will Johnson took the loss.  Starter Jake English whiffed 9 in his 4 innings.

Ellsworth has its long-awaited home-opener on Friday when its hosts Iowa Lakes in a twinbill.  The two teams play another doubleheader Saturday.