Eagles Celebrate Sophomore Day with Sweep, Power Past Delta at Scaggs Field

MERIDIAN, Miss. — Meridian Community College baseball honored its sophomore class in style Saturday, sweeping Mississippi Delta in a conference doubleheader while celebrating a memorable Sophomore Day at Scaggs Field.

The Eagles run-ruled the Trojans 20-2 in seven innings in game one before securing the sweep with a 12-5 win in game two, improving to 21-20 overall and 8-14 in MACCC play.

Prior to the games, MCC recognized 10 sophomores for their contributions to the program: Brett Busbea, Walker Van Meter, Joel Smith, Hunter Parker, Chris Fox, Caden Boswell, Harlin Hovater, Nate Trochessett, Vaiden Ellis, and Aiden Tuura. Each student-athlete was honored on the field alongside family, friends, and coaches for their dedication to MCC baseball.

Game one's ceremonial first pitch was thrown by former BSU Director Justin Busby, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the BSU at Meridian.

Game One – Eagles Explode Early

Meridian wasted no time setting the tone, erupting for 11 runs in the first inning. The frame was highlighted by a grand slam from Brayden Allen, his sixth home run of the season.

The power surge continued in the second inning as Chris Fox launched a two-run homer to extend the lead to 13-0.

In the third, the Eagles added six more runs, including three home runs — another from Allen, Fox's second of the game, and a pinch-hit home run from sophomore Walker Van Meter, adding to the celebration.

With the game well in hand, Meridian continued to enjoy the moment, even sending pitchers to the plate late in the contest. Aiden Tuura scored the final run on a wild pitch as the Eagles closed out the 20-2 run-rule victory.

Meridian totaled 17 hits and 17 RBIs in the opener.

On the mound, Dan Sinclair earned the win, pitching 3.1 innings while allowing just one run and striking out five. Joel Smith followed with 2.2 innings of relief, and Reid Vineyard struck out the side in the final inning.

Game Two – Eagles Pull Away Late

Before game two, former MCC standout Reggie Scott — an All-American and one of the program's all-time greats — delivered the ceremonial first pitch.

The nightcap opened as a more competitive contest, with Mississippi Delta jumping out to an early lead before Meridian answered to take a 2-1 advantage in the first.

The Trojans responded with four runs in the second to lead 5-2, but Jacob Driver quickly tied the game with a two-run home run, his fourth of the week.

Meridian seized control in the fifth inning, plating seven runs to put the game out of reach. The rally was highlighted by a three-run double from Fox and a two-run double from Tyler Johnson.

The Eagles finished with 13 hits and 12 RBIs in the 12-5 victory.

Head Coach Dillon Sudduth praised both his sophomore class and his team's performance.

"These sophomores have meant a lot to this program, and it was great to celebrate them the right way," Sudduth said. "To see guys like Justin Busby and Reggie Scott back out here made it even more special. I'm proud of how our team competed and the energy they played with all day."

Meridian will look to carry that momentum into Wednesday's road conference doubleheader at Mississippi Gulf Coast. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. in Perkinston.

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