HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Carey head coach Bobby Halford reached a career milestone Thursday night, earning his 1,400th win as the Crusaders narrowly defeated UT Southern 6-5 at Milton Wheeler Field.
Halford, in his long coaching career, expressed gratitude after the game. “I feel incredibly blessed to work for an institution that has been so supportive,” he said. “I’m thankful for all the coaches, players, and support staff who have been part of this journey, as well as my wife and family for the many sacrifices they’ve made along the way. Above all, I thank the Lord for allowing me to do this for so long.”
The Firehawks took an early lead with a solo homer from Devin Thrain in the second inning. Carey responded decisively in the third, sending 10 batters to the plate and scoring five runs to take control. Taylor Walters sparked the rally with a two-run triple, and Hays Carley, Franklin Hernandez, and Gage Hinnant contributed RBIs to extend the lead to 5-1. In the fourth, Carley drove in Walters with an RBI double, making it 6-1.
UT Southern narrowed the gap in the sixth, scoring two runs. The Firehawks mounted a final threat in the ninth, with Thrain and Mizumori reaching base before Carson Foote lined a two-run double to bring UT Southern within one. Carey reliever Jackson Hawsey closed out the game, striking out the first batter and inducing a fly ball to secure the victory.
Matthew Davis earned the win, pitching eight innings, allowing three runs on five hits and striking out 10. Carey is scheduled to finish the series with a doubleheader Friday at noon at Milton Wheeler Field.
