RAYMOND, Miss. — The Meridian Community College Eagles baseball team delivered a powerful statement on the road Tuesday, April 15, sweeping a conference doubleheader against Hinds in dominant fashion. With postseason play just around the corner, the two victories were pivotal in helping Meridian climb in the MACCC standings.

Ross Sparks Offense in 25-4 Rout

Hampton Ross led the offensive explosion in game one, going 5-for-6 at the plate, including two doubles and three singles. His aggressive approach and clutch hitting helped fuel a 25-4 win over the Bulldogs.

The Eagles scored in every inning, with major damage coming in the second and third frames. Meridian posted a seven-run second inning highlighted by a two-RBI double from Brennon Wright. The third inning saw nine more runs cross the plate, including a bases-clearing double from Ross and RBI hits from Chris Fox and Wright.

Fox turned in a strong performance of his own, going 3-for-6 with four RBIs, while Wright added multiple hits and drove in several runs. Brayden Martin, Doby Bartling, Walker Van Meter, and Harlin Hovater all recorded multi-hit games as part of Meridian's 26-hit attack.

On the mound, Aiden Tuura earned the win, and Peyton Fowler was electric in relief, tossing 4.2 scoreless innings with nine strikeouts and just four hits allowed.

The Eagles drew seven walks, swiped four bases, and turned a double play in a complete team effort.

Gehr Powers MCC to 10-5 Win

In the second game of the doubleheader, Connor Gehr provided the offensive spark, driving in four runs, including a two-run homer in the third inning. He also walked in a run in the first and added a sacrifice fly in the fourth.

Meridian jumped out to an early lead, scoring three runs in the first and three more in the third to take control. The Eagles tallied 11 hits overall, with Hovater going 3-for-4 to lead the team. Fox and Van Meter each had multi-hit games, and Bartling drew three walks to pace MCC's patience at the plate.

Cole Blackwell picked up the win, and Hunter Parker came on in relief to pitch 1.1 scoreless innings, striking out two without allowing a hit. Meridian's defense was solid behind the pitching staff, committing no errors and turning in strong plays throughout.

The Eagles were aggressive on the bases once again, racking up six stolen bases in game two alone, including two by Wright.

With the sweep, Meridian (25-17, 12-8) improves its position in the MACCC standings as the postseason nears. The Eagles will continue conference play on the road Friday, April 18, in a doubleheader at Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.