MERIDIAN - Following an offensive explosion on Saturday afternoon, the Northwest Mississippi Community College baseball team (17-10, 5-3) swept MACCC opponents Meridian Community College (14-12, 2-6) at Scaggs Field, picking up their first sweep in conference play this season after splitting the opening three series of the year.
Game 1 - NWCC 21 Meridian 19
With 40 runs scored between the two teams, game one was simply a display of offensive prowess.
Although NWCC scored seven runs in both the second and third innings to take a 14-0 lead, they also gave up 18 runs from third to fifth innings, allowing MCC to take a 18-14 lead into the second half of the game.
The Eagle offense dried up, only scoring one more run in the game. However, the Rangers scored in every single inning from the sixth to the ninth innings, retaking the lead and ultimately winning the game.
Walker Sanders garnered a game leading seven RBIs on three hits, one of which was a home run and one of which was a double. Getting a hit during all five of his official at bats, which included two home runs and one double, Barrett McKenney was another star player for Northwest. Mason McMillin also had two home runs during game one.
Overall, NWCC garnered 18 hits, the most hits in a game this season. The Rangers also had 11 extra base hits, including seven home runs from five different players.
Northwest was also very active on the base path, stealing base successfully five times.
Will Howell once again got the start for the Rangers and went 3.1 innings while allowing seven runs on five hits and two strikeouts. After he was pulled, Head Coach Mark Carson had to go through six relievers before he could finally stop the bleeding and slow down the offense of the Eagles.
Preston Johnson came in to see the game out in the seventh inning, only allowing one hit in 2.2 innings of work and ultimately earned his fourth win of the season.
Game 2 - NWCC 15 Meridian 4
After giving up a run in the first inning, the Rangers scored seven runs in the second inning to take the lead and never looked back on their way to a sweep of the Eagles.
Northwest dominated offensively throughout the game, picking up 10 hits, 14 RBIs, 13 walks, and only striking out four times.
South McCoy was the star for the Rangers in game two, hitting two doubles and one triple, good for a game leading five RBIs as he continued to be one of the strongest hitters in the MACCC in just his freshman season.
The other two NWCC players with extra base hits were Evan Lightsey and McMillin, who hit a double and a home run, respectively.
The pitching for the Rangers excelled in game two.
Sophomore Eli Deberry pitched a complete game and only allowed four runs on four hits while striking out three. Although Deberry did not accumulate a large number of strike outs, the Rangers' defense did their job behind their teammate and did not make an error.
UP NEXT
On Wednesday at 2 p.m., the Rangers host MACCC opponent East Mississippi at Jim Miles Field in a double header. Game two is scheduled for 5 p.m., or for 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one.
All NWCC home games will be streamed on https://nwccrangers.com/watch/.
To stay up to date on the NWCC baseball team, follow the Ranger social media accounts or go to nwccrangers.com.
