Pioneers punch World Series Ticket to Grand Junction

Here we come Grand Junction, Colorado. The Pioneers completed the sweep of Harford CC 8-1 and took home the Eastern District Championship and a trip to the NJCAA Baseball World Series.

The Pioneers jumped on top of Harford 2-0 after one inning and the score remained the same until the 3rd inning when the Owls tacked on a single run. SMC then scored two more in the 5th and four runs in the eight to break the game open. Bruce Caldwell led the Pioneers with a 4-4 day at the plate and a sacrifice fly. Starter Alex Pridemore worked into the 5th inning and was relieved by Jared Keels. Keels shut down the Owls and worked into the 8th inning. He was removed after taking a line shot to his throwing arm. Cody Mincey came on to finish the 8th and 9th inning holding the Owls scoreless.

Region 10 champion SMC (45-16) is making its fifth trip to the World Series in the past 12 seasons under Wallace. The Pioneers went in 2009, 2007, 2003 and 2001. They also made it in 1983 and 1986 under Lon Joyce, who will be inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame at this year's tournament.

The Pioneers will take on Neosho County Community College (48-14) on Saturday at 1:00pm

For more information on the World Series, visit www.njcaa.org and www.jucogj.org/

Live Stats and Live TV Broadcasts can be found at www.ihigh.com/njcaatv/

Tournament Bracket is located at www.jucogj.org/images/jucofiles/bracket.pdf