SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. - Two outstanding pitching performances and a late offensive explosion keyed Madison College to a split of Saturday's doubleheader and the first win of the season after three straight losses to begin. The #2 WolfPack dropped a 1-0 pitcher's duel in the opener to Scottsdale Community College, and then routed Dakota County Technical College (MN) by a 12-1 final in the nightcap.

Game #1: Scottsdale Community College 1, Madison College 0

Sophomore starter Brandon Parr had it rolling in the second matchup in two days between Madison College and the Fighting Artichokes at Scottsdale Community College. The righthander held SCC to just a single hit and five total base runners over the games first first innings.

In the sixth, the 'Chokes broke through for the game's lone run, taking advantage of two opposite field singles and two Madison College errors. The WolfPack had a chance to pull even in the top of the seventh - the game's final inning due to the doubleheader schedule - however, Ryan Makuski and Alex Mayer both struck out with the tying run at second base.

Madison College (0-3) had other opportunities to plate a run, especially in the second and third innings with runners reaching third base.

Parr (0-1) thwarted the SCC attack with five K's while allowing the one unearned run on three hits in a complete game loss. Scottsdale (15-9) pitching limited the WolfPack to four hits and recorded ten strike outs. Mayer finished with two of the visitors four hits.

Game #2: Madison College 12, Dakota County Technical College 1

Game Two of the twin bill seemed destined for another battle on the bump until Madison College exploded for 12 runs over two innings against the Dakota County (0-1) bullpen, securing win number one of the 2016 campaign.

Evan at 1-1 through four innings, the WolfPack pushed across the game-winning run in the top of the fifth when Simon Maurice scored on a Ryan Makuski single to center. The Blue Knights turned to their bullpen in the sixth and Madison College pounced.

Early stolen bases by pinch runner Drew Steinmetz got the momentum rolling, then six hits in eight batters broke the game wide open with six runs. Ronnie Cross sparked the rally with triple to the wall in right center to drive in Steinmetz, who capped the big frame with a two-RBI single. Leading 8-1 and facing another new pitcher, Madison College collected four additional runs off two hits and four free passes to first.

First year pitcher Alec Haluzak (1-0) earned his first career win with a three-hitter. The Wilmot Union product also struck out three batters. Sophomore Damian Guenther - who has battled back from numerous injuries to his throwing side - tossed a scoreless inning in relief, striking out two in the process.

Madison College (1-3) set several season highs on the offensive side, including the dozen runs and ten total stolen bases. Ryan Makuski was the lone batter with multiple hits, going 2-for-3 with a team-high four runs batted in and another scored. Shortstop Simon Maurice reached home three times. Ian Parentice finished with two runs scored and a team-best three steals, including two in the opening inning when he ignited the game with a walk, two steals, and the game's first run. Two others also scored twice.

The WolfPack will enjoy an off day and a MLB Spring Training game on Sunday before resuming game action Monday with a single game at Glendale Community College. First pitch is slated for 2:00 p.m. Central Time.

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