Eagles Explode for 22 Runs in Game Two to Earn Split at Coahoma
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 3 |
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5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | X | 10 | 7 | 0 |
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 22 | 15 | 0 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 13 | 0 |
CLARKSDALE, Miss. — Meridian Community College baseball bounced back in a big way Sunday, erupting offensively in game two to split a conference doubleheader with Coahoma.
The Eagles fell 10-3 in game one before responding with a dominant 22-7 victory in game two, moving to 23-22 overall and 10-16 in MACCC play.
Game One – Tigers Take Control Early
Meridian ran into early trouble in the opener as Coahoma plated five runs in the first inning, forcing an early exit for starting pitcher Dan Sinclair and putting the Eagles behind from the start.
The Tigers extended their lead to 7-3 after three innings despite a brief rally from Meridian.
In the third inning, the Eagles got on the board with an RBI double from Chris Fox and an RBI single from Matthew McKinley, cutting the deficit to 5-3 at the time.
Coahoma answered quickly and continued to build its lead, adding runs throughout the game while limiting Meridian to just six hits in a 10-3 win. Sinclair was credited with the loss.
Game Two – Eagles Unleash Offensive Outburst
Facing a must-win situation to keep postseason hopes alive, Meridian delivered one of its most explosive performances of the season in game two.
The Eagles jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, and after Coahoma tied the game early, Meridian regained control in the third when Tyler Johnson drove in a run to make it 4-2.
The offense continued to roll in the fifth, as Graham Jackson launched his sixth home run of the season, followed by an RBI double from Johnson to push the lead to 6-2.
After Coahoma trimmed the deficit to 6-3, the Eagles broke the game open in the sixth inning, plating eight runs. The inning included multiple walks and was capped by a two-RBI double from Fox, extending the lead to 14-3.
The Tigers responded with four runs in the bottom half of the inning, but Meridian answered emphatically once again.
The Eagles exploded for another eight runs in the seventh inning, highlighted by a two-RBI double from Harlin Hovater, an RBI single from Cole Gideon, a two-RBI double from Jackson, a two-RBI triple from McKinley, and an RBI single from Jack Scott.
Meridian finished with 14 hits and 20 RBIs in the 22-7 victory.
On the mound, Conner Moore earned the win, pitching 4.1 innings while allowing three runs and striking out six.
Head Coach Dillon Sudduth praised his team's response after a tough start to the day.
"Our guys showed a lot of fight in that second game," Sudduth said. "We know what's at stake, and we're going to keep battling to give ourselves a chance."
Meridian will now turn its focus to the regular season finale Wednesday against Northeast. The Eagles will need a sweep and some help around the league to secure the final postseason spot.
First pitch is set for 3 p.m., with tickets available at mcceagles.com/tickets for $8 online or $10 at the gate. Fans can also watch live at mcceagles.live/green.
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