By Justin Ites, The Times-Citizen

Iowa Falls, IA – A pair of four-run innings jumpstarted Ellsworth Community College's offense and paved the way for a 12-4 victory over NIACC that carried postseason weight.

Tuesday's eight-run win clinched a postseason spot for the Panthers in the Region XI Tournament that will be held in May.

After NIACC held a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the third inning, ECC erupted for a four-spot to take a 5-2 advantage.

In the eighth, Boston Doeschot clubbed his team-leading 16th home run that put the game out of reach.

Offensively, the Panthers (28-18, 15-10) tallied 14 hits with Sam Patton, Brandon Weigel, Dylan Phelps and Caden Sammler also producing multi-hit games. 

On the mound, Jaden Morris was the second of five pitchers utilized by head coach Kirk Clark, and he recorded the win. Morris threw 2.1 innings and allowed just one run on four hits. Mason Stenberg earned the start and threw the first three innings, allowing a home run and two earned runs. Drew Dake, TJ Eikenberry and Casey Clair also made appearances.

Tuesday's win was the eighth consecutive victory for ECC, and clinched a season-sweep of the Trojans (14-30, 7-18), as the first two games were played at a neutral site (Clarion) on April 2. The Panthers won those two games by scores of 10-2 and 26-8.

ECC is scheduled to play a home series with Iowa Central Saturday and Sunday, and then has road games remaining with DMACC and Iowa Western to conclude the regular season.

For more Times-Citizen coverage of Ellsworth athletics: https://www.timescitizen.com/sports/ecc