SCOOBA, Miss. – The No. 20-ranked Meridian Community College Eagles delivered a statement on Wednesday, capping off a dominant day with a thrilling 7-6 walk-off win over No. 2-ranked East Central Community College. The victory followed a commanding 13-3 win over East Mississippi earlier in the day, improving the Eagles' record to 13-4.
Game 1: Eagles Cruise Past East Mississippi in 13-3 Victory
The Eagles wasted no time asserting their offensive firepower in the opening game, jumping out to an early lead and never looking back. Tyrus Williams led the charge with a disciplined eye at the plate, drawing three walks to spark the MCC offense.
Harlin Hovater, Chris Fox, and a wild pitch contributed to a three-run first inning for the Eagles. Meridian added another run in the second on a Brennon Wright sacrifice fly and continued to build momentum throughout the game. Williams and Hovater both homered in the sixth to further extend the lead.
On the mound, Andrew Prejean was dominant, allowing just one hit and no earned runs over five innings while striking out six. Caden Boswell provided a solid relief effort to close out the game.
Hovater led the team with three RBIs, while Wright, Doby Bartling, and Fox each tallied two hits. The Eagles ran aggressively on the base paths, swiping four bases, including two from Brayden Martin.
Game 2: Walk-Off Thriller Seals Upset Over No. 2 East Central
The nightcap proved to be an instant classic, as the Eagles battled back in dramatic fashion to stun No. 2 East Central with a 7-6 walk-off win. Down 6-5 in the bottom of the ninth, Hampton Ross delivered in the clutch, lacing a single that drove in the winning run to secure the victory.
Williams provided another offensive spark with a solo home run in the third inning, tying the game at 2-2. The Eagles clawed back from a 5-2 deficit in the sixth, thanks to an RBI groundout from Matthew Cochran, a single by Bartling, and a double by Wright.
On the mound, Wade Barr earned the win after tossing a scoreless ninth inning. Conner Gehr started for the Eagles, striking out seven over five solid innings, while relievers Vaiden Ellis and Hunter Parker helped keep MCC in the game.
Williams, Wright, Martin, and Ross each collected two hits in the victory, while Cochran, Williams, Wright, Bartling, and Ross all contributed RBIs. The Eagles played flawless defense, committing no errors, and turned a key double play to stifle East Central's offense.
The Eagles now turn their attention to a series against Northwest Florida State College. They will play a single game Friday at 5 p.m. followed by a doubleheader Saturday starting at noon for Military Appreciation Day. Come out to Scaggs Field this weekend for a great series of baseball.
