The Three Rivers baseball team broke out the brooms over the weekend at Roger Pattillo Field as they took four games over Metropolitan Community College.
The Raiders took the first two games 3-2 and 12-2 Saturday and completed the sweep Sunday with 6-3 and 10-6 wins.
"We had a great weekend," Raiders baseball coach Tyler Smith said. "The pitchers threw the ball well. The last game got a little hairy towards the end, but we were able to hold on for the sweep. It's always good to get back even in the region."
With the wins over Metropolitan, the Raiders move to 22-19 overall and 8-8 against Region XVI opponents.
The Raiders were able to walk it off in the opener Saturday on Logan McIntyre's single after Kolten Poorman set the table with a lead-off double in the eighth. Poplar Bluff native Noah Burkey was given the ball to start as he picked up eight strikeouts in the no-decision.
Metropolitan had a chance to win the opener as they took a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the seventh, but Nolan Self was able to send it to extras with a double to score Kole Turner.
Three Rivers had the offense going in Game 2 with 12 runs on 12 hits, including a home run for lead-off hitter Hunter Gray, as he went 2 for 3 with two walks, three RBIs and four runs scored. Hitting right behind Gray, Cade Cancilla also had a three-RBI game going 3 for 5.
The Raiders took advantage of an eight-run fifth to go up 11-2 and scored in the sixth to end it early via the 10-run mercy rule.
On Sunday, the Raiders opened the day with a close game at first as it was tied 2-2 through three innings, but they were able to rattle off three runs in the fourth and one more insurance run in the fifth to secure the victory.
Gray continued the offensive production from the top of the lineup going 2 for 4 with two RBIs and a couple of runs scored. Meanwhile on the bump, Michael White was able to give the bullpen a rest as he tossed all seven innings, picking up six strikeouts along with his fourth win of the season.
Despite the Raiders not giving up the lead in the final game of the series, Metropolitan was threatening Three Rivers' 7-4 lead in the sixth until Charlie Parker hit a three-run home run to put the game out of reach.
Kole Turner also hit a homer and went 2 for 4 with two RBIs.
Up next for the Raiders is a four-game set with St. Charles with two at home on Thursday and two on the road on Saturday. First pitch at Roger Pattillo Field is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday.
"They'll be a competitive team," Smith said. "As long as we play well, we should be fine against them."
Robert Augsdorfer - Daily American Republic