Daniels sharp as HCC reaches 30 wins

• COLLEGE BASEBALL

Kenny Daniels turned in a fine pitching performance for Hagerstown Community College in the opening game of a doubleheader, then Antonio Frias of Monroe College (N.Y.) returned the favor in the second game as the teams split 2-1 verdicts Sunday at HCC.

Daniels (5-3) fired a three-hitter with eight strikeouts, blanking Monroe (15-18) until the final inning, when the Mustangs loaded the bases with none out. Daniels induced a run-scoring double-play grounder before retiring the final hitter to preserve the victory.

Garrett Spinks had two hits while Hunter Martin and Justin Smith delivered run-scoring singles for HCC (30-12-1) in the third and fourth innings.

In the nightcap, Frias held the Hawks hitless for the first six innings before Geraghty Showe and Zeb Ahalt got hits that led to HCC's lone run in the seventh inning.

Colby Smith (4-1) limited Monroe to two runs in five innings of work, losing for the first time this season. Colby Byers added two innings of shutout relief to keep it close.

This is the 13th time in the last 14 seasons that the Hawks have won at least 30 games. Manager Scott Jennings has never had a losing season in his 36 years at HCC.