WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. - Playing with a limited, freshman-heavy travel roster, Northwest had plenty of success at the plate, but gave up a walk-off grand slam in Monday's 24-22 loss to Arkansas State Mid-South.
Both teams combined for 30 hits in the single nine-inning contest, which was initially scheduled as a doubleheader. The Rangers collected 14 base hits, led by a pair of 3-for-4 efforts from
John Blockmon and
Walker Maranto. Blockmon, a sophomore from Batesville, came away with a double and a home run, while Maranto delivered a pair of doubles and a home run.
Northwest captured a 1-0 lead in the top of the second, but the Greyhounds answered back with five runs in the bottom of the second and eight more in the home half of the third. The Rangers rallied back with six runs in the top of the fourth and three more in the fifth, cutting the deficit to 13-10.
However, ASU Mid-South responded with four runs in the bottom of the fifth and two more in the sixth, only for Northwest to regain a 22-19 advantage after scoring four in the seventh and five more in the top of the eighth.
Down to its final three outs, the Greyhounds pushed back with a five-run frame in the bottom of the ninth, delivering the game-winner on Devyn McEachron's grand slam.
Northwest used five pitchers in the loss, but sophomore
Cy Craig pitched a strong 3.2 innings of relief, delivering five strikeouts.
Drew Lamb started the first two frames, scattering two strikeouts and three walks.
A total of eight pitchers took the mound for ASU Mid-South, with Jonah Patten earning the win in relief. Alex Hagan was possibly the Greyhounds' most effective pitcher out of the bullpen, delivering three strikeouts in 1.2 frames.
With the loss, Northwest dropped to 18-7 on the season. The Rangers will have a quick turnaround, traveling to Mississippi Delta for a conference twinbill on Tuesday, March 19. The games are scheduled for 1/4 P.M., adjusted from the previously-scheduled 12/3 P.M. time slots.
