PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. – The #20-ranked Meridian Community College Eagles delivered an impressive performance at the Panama City Beach College Baseball Classic, capping off the weekend with a hard-fought 7-5 victory over #6 Wallace Community College-Dothan. Across four intense matchups, MCC proved its resilience, with each game decided by two runs or fewer. The Eagles secured a walk-off winner, a one-run thriller, and a statement victory in their final contest.
Game 1: MCC Walks Off Against Dyersburg State, 8-7
The Eagles kicked off the tournament in dramatic fashion, earning an 8-7 walk-off victory over Dyersburg State Community College. The hero of the game was Brayden Martin, who delivered the game-winning hit to drive in Tyrus Williams for the deciding run.
On the mound, Peyton Fowler set the tone with 4.0 innings of work, allowing just two hits while striking out four. Vaiden Ellis followed up with a solid relief performance, surrendering just one hit in two innings.
Offensively, Martin led the charge, going 2-for-3 with a double and a triple. Christopher Fox and Doby Bartling also contributed multi-hit performances, while four different Eagles drove in at least one run.
Game 2: MCC Stumbles Against #22 Indian River, 4-3
MCC found itself in a tight battle against #22 Indian River State College but fell just short in a 4-3 walk-off loss.
Cole Blackwell took the mound and struck out six batters in 4.0 innings while working around six hits and three walks. Brennon Wright powered the offense with a 3-for-4 effort, pushing his early-season batting average to .429. Bartling also continued his hot streak, going 2-for-3 at the plate.
Despite a strong showing, Indian River was able to capitalize in the final inning, securing the win.
Game 3: Trochessett's Triple Lifts MCC Over Coastal Alabama North, 3-2
In another tight contest, the Eagles edged Coastal Alabama North Community College 3-2, thanks to a clutch two-run triple from Nate Trochessett in the fifth inning.
Andrew Prejean got the start for MCC, striking out five batters over 2.0 innings while allowing just one hit. Aiden Tuura followed with an equally strong outing, allowing just two hits and one walk in 2.0 innings while striking out four.
Trochessett provided the offensive spark, finishing 1-for-2 and accounting for all three of MCC's RBIs in the game. Matthew Cochran also added a hit and a run scored.
Game 4: Eagles Secure Signature Win Over #6 Wallace-Dothan, 7-5
MCC capped off the weekend with a strong performance, jumping out to a 5-run lead in the fifth inning and holding on for a 7-5 victory over #6 Wallace-Dothan.
The Eagles took control in the second inning when Brett Busbea launched a two-run homer to left field, putting MCC ahead 2-1. Busbea led the offensive charge, going 2-for-4 at the plate and driving in three runs.
On the mound, Connor Gehr got the start and delivered a solid performance, allowing just one run on three hits over four innings while striking out four. Hunter Parker came in for relief, tossing 1.2 innings of scoreless baseball, striking out three while allowing no hits.
Wallace-Dothan attempted to rally late, but MCC's early offensive surge proved too much to overcome, securing the Eagles' third victory of the weekend.
Eagles Set for Home Opener
With a successful weekend behind them, MCC now turns its attention to its home opener at Scaggs Field on February 5th against Bevill State Community College. The Eagles will look to build on their momentum as they return to Meridian.
