SENATOBIA - Home runs proved to be the major difference in Friday's playoff series opener, as Hinds combined for seven runs on three home runs to defeat Northwest, 9-5.
A three-run homer in the top of the first inning from Braden Richardson gave the Eagles a 3-0 advantage and a solo homer in the fourth from Cameron Hill made it a 4-1 lead.
Cade Leatherwood put the Rangers on the board with a solo homer in the bottom of the second, but a grand slam from Tyler Janos in the seventh turned a 5-4 Hinds' lead into a 9-4 advantage.
After trailing 4-1, the Rangers managed to score one in the bottom of the fourth and two in the fifth, tying the game at 4-4. However, Hinds quickly responded in the top of the sixth, as an error allowed the Eagles to regain the lead.
Both teams finished with nine hits and three errors apiece, as
Hayes Davis,
Cade Greer and
Matthew Roncalli accounted for two hits each for Northwest. Hill and Janos both finished with two hits to lead Hinds.
Scott Sharp (8-3) lasted six full innings on the mound, striking out five batters against four walks, while allowing seven total runs.
Jackson Jenkins and
Carson Fox combined for the final three innings of relief, with Jenkins accounting for three strikeouts, a walk and two earned runs.
Lincoln Sheffield picked up the win for Hinds, striking out five batters against three walks in seven complete frames. Cole Burton polished off the final two innings for the Eagles, striking out three batters against three walks.
Northwest fell to 37-16 with the loss, while Hinds evened its overall record to 27-27. The two teams will meet again on Saturday at 6 P.M. and Sunday at 2 P.M. if necessary. The Rangers must win the next two games to keep their season alive.
All games of the series will be carried on Ranger TV.
