BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The NCC Baseball team opened Region XIX play with a doubleheader sweep of Union County College on Saturday afternoon.

In game one, NCC exploded for 6 runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning and ran away from the Owls, winning 18-4.

Jake Ruch (2-1) earned the victory on the mound, throwing a complete game 6-hitter, striking out 10 and walking 2.

Preston Koehler was 3 for 3 with 4 runs scored, 2 stolen bases and a RBI, while Elliott Freeman was 3 for 4, including a grandslam in the Spartan's 10-run 5th inning.

Jon DeJesus was 3 for 5 and Rich Eilenberger was 2-5 with 3 RBI as NCC finished with 15 hits.

In game two, the Spartans scored 3 runs in the bottom of the first and then rode the right arm of Taylor Magditch (2-1) to a 10-4 victory.  Magditch threw a complete game, scattering 9 hits and striking out 7.

Koeher and Freeman continued to swing hot bats, each going 3 for 4.  Mike Tenaglia was 2 for 3 with a double and a RBI as NCC pounded out 13 more hits in game two.

NCC improves to 7-9 overall and 2-0 in Region XIX.

The Spartans are off until Saturday March 31st at noon when they  host Delaware County Community College in a Region XIX matchup.