By Justin Ites

Runs were at a premium during Wednesday's nine-inning contest between Ellsworth Community College and Northeast Iowa Community College.

Neither team was able to score until the ninth inning, when the long ball played a big role in the outcome.

During the top of the inning, Panther Eric McGill connected for a solo homer to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.

That lead was short-lived, as the Cougars rallied behind a pair of round-trippers during the bottom of the inning to walk-off with the 2-1 victory.

Jacob Foundree was the eighth pitcher utilized during the game, but he gave up solo homers to NICC batters Kaden Alstad and Nico Olszewski that earned the hosts the win. Reece Cochran got the start and went two innings of two hit baseball.

Hits were a rare commodity for ECC, as they were held to just one hit prior to McGill's home run in the ninth. NICC starter Reed Adler tossed the first 8.2 innings and allowed just two hits and the one earned run. He struck out five Panthers. Gavin Doll recorded the only other hit for ECC.

Wednesday's loss dropped the Panthers to 12-12 in Region XI and 21-28 overall. NICC improved to 4-20 in league play and 7-37 overall.

ECC wraps the regular season with a three-game set at Iowa Central (40-9, 18-6) scheduled for Friday and Saturday.

For more on ECC Athletics, visit https://www.timescitizen.com/sports/ecc/