BOONEVILLE, Miss. – The Meridian Community College Eagles split a doubleheader on Wednesday, March 12, against Northeast Mississippi Community College, moving to 13-10 overall and 1-1 in conference play. Despite a strong offensive showing, the Eagles fell in Game One before bouncing back with a late-game rally to secure the victory in Game Two.

Eagles Out-Hit Northeast Mississippi but Fall Short, 5-3

Meridian outhit Northeast Mississippi 7-5 but couldn't hold onto an early lead, falling 5-3. Brennon Wright and Harlin Hovater led the Eagles' offense with two hits each.

The Eagles got off to a fast start in the top of the first inning, capitalizing on a Northeast error before Hovater's RBI double to center field made it 2-0. Hampton Ross added to the lead in the third inning, driving in a run with a double down the right-field line to push the Eagles ahead 3-0.

However, Northeast Mississippi took control in the fifth inning when Carter Wells delivered a grand slam, giving them a 4-3 lead. They added an insurance run to secure the win.

On the mound, Cole Blackwell took the loss for MCC, throwing five innings, allowing four runs on five hits, with four strikeouts and six walks.

Defensively, the Eagles turned three double plays and played a clean game in the field, committing no errors. Hovater had a strong defensive outing with eight chances in the field.

Eagles Secure Late Win Behind Fowler's Dominant Performance

In the second game of the doubleheader, Meridian edged out Northeast Mississippi 3-2, thanks to a clutch RBI single by Brayden Martin in the top of the sixth inning.

Peyton Fowler was outstanding on the mound, striking out 11 batters while allowing just three hits and two runs in a complete-game effort.

The game remained close throughout. After Northeast Mississippi took an early lead in the first inning on a passed ball, Cooper Bennett tied it up for the Eagles in the second with an RBI groundout. Northeast briefly regained the lead in the bottom of the second before Dowe McGowan's RBI single in the fifth tied the game again.

Meridian's offense put together nine hits, with Doby Bartling and Bennett each collecting two. Martin, Bennett, and McGowan all contributed RBIs to help secure the win.

The Eagles return home for a doubleheader against Coahoma Community College at Scaggs Field on Friday, March 14, with first pitch set for noon.