Cougars Sweep CCBC Essex, Extend Winning Streak

Frederick Community College continued its dominant start to the season with a doubleheader sweep of CCBC Essex on Thursday, with an 8-4 victory in game one and a 12-5 win in game two improving to 11-1 overall and 2-0 in Region 20 DII play.  

In Game 1, FCC overcame an early deficit to secure an 8-4 victory. CCBC Essex struck first with a two-run single in the opening frame, but the Cougars quickly responded in the second. Josh Erd's double down the left-field line, followed by a Cole Swinimer RBI single and a defensive miscue by Essex, pushed Frederick ahead 3-2. After the Knights briefly tied the game in the third, the Cougars exploded in the fourth inning. Shawn Karpaitis delivered the biggest moment of the game with a three-run homer to left field, his fifth of the season, capping off a five-run inning that gave FCC a commanding 8-3 lead. Adam Horst was outstanding in relief, allowing just one hit and an unearned run over four innings while striking out three. Luke Pietrandrea started on the mound, going three innings with two strikeouts. Karpaitis led the offense with three RBIs, while Erd, Swinimer, and Jacob Downey each collected two hits.  

The momentum carried into Game 2, where Frederick powered past CCBC Essex 12-5 behind another offensive showing by the Cougars. Casey Westerberg had a perfect day at the plate, going 3-for-3 with three doubles. The Cougars took control in the second inning after an early two-run home run by Essex. Erd responded with an RBI single before Swinimer ripped a two-run triple, and Andrew Varga followed with an RBI single to put FCC ahead 4-2. The fourth inning proved to be decisive once again, as the Cougars erupted for seven runs. Varga, Downey, and Karpaitis each drove in a run before Will Gisriel, Westerberg, and Matthew Kim delivered extra-base hits that stretched the lead to 11-2. Ethan Duff started on the mound, striking out seven in four and two-thirds innings while allowing only two earned runs. Hunter Barnes and Matt Koeneke finished the game in relief, shutting down Essex to secure the win.  

The Cougars will now shift their focus to a road doubleheader against Harford Community College on Sunday, March 9, at 1 PM.