Baseball | 02.09.2026
Eagles Walk Off No. 16 Cowley County in Home Opener at Eagle Field
MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas — Northeast Texas Community College opened the 2026 home season in thrilling fashion Thursday afternoon, earning a walk-off win in the final inning to defeat No. 16-ranked Cowley County Community College, 4–3, at Eagle Field.
Cowley County, ranked 16th nationally by the NJCAA, struck first with runs in the first and third innings to build a 2–0 lead. Northeast Texas stayed within striking distance behind a strong start from Kaleb Kuhn, who recorded nine strikeouts over four innings, allowing two runs on five hits.
The Eagles broke through in the fifth inning with a three-run rally to take a 3–2 advantage. Kaleb Steiger led the charge, finishing 2-for-3 with a double and scoring twice, while BJ Lumkins added an extra-base hit and scored during the inning.
Cowley County answered with a run in the sixth to tie the game, setting the stage for late-inning drama in the home opener.
In the bottom of the seventh, Northeast Texas delivered the decisive moment. With the game tied and the Eagle Field crowd on its feet, the Eagles pushed across the winning run to secure the walk-off victory, sealing a memorable opening win over a nationally ranked opponent.
Out of the bullpen, Nathaniel Chambers and Brady Smedshammer combined to limit Cowley County late. Smedshammer closed the game with 1.1 scoreless innings and three strikeouts, as the NTCC pitching staff finished the afternoon with 12 strikeouts.
Defensively, the Eagles turned two double plays and held Cowley County to six hits, fending off multiple scoring threats throughout the contest.
The dramatic finish capped a statement win in the 2026 home opener at Eagle Field, giving Northeast Texas early momentum against one of the NJCAA's top-ranked programs.
