ELLISVILLE — Seventh-ranked Jones College defeated Mississippi Delta Community College twice Saturday at Community Bank Park. The Bobcats combined for 18 hits in an 11-run, seven-inning blowout and edged the Trojans 4-3 in the nightcap, according to school officials.
In the first game, Jones scored early and often, taking a commanding lead after the first inning. After retiring the first two batters, the Bobcats sent nine batters to the plate, scoring five runs. They added six more runs in the second inning to lead 11-0 and continued to pour it on with three in the third, six in the fourth, and five in the fifth.
Brayson Graham, a Wayne County product, led the offensive effort with a home run, two singles, and two RBIs. Dylan Champagne of Prairieville, Louisiana, and Gage Reeves of George County each doubled and singled, while Dakota Smith of West Jones singled twice and drove in three runs. Several other players contributed singles, including Eli Wheat of Oak Grove, Collin Haney of Columbia, Brady Smith of Florence, and others.
Chase Russell, a Madison Central product, earned his first win of the season, pitching four scoreless innings with three hits allowed, no walks, and five strikeouts. Relief was handled by Reid Gaston, Russ Thompson, and Austin Rylee.
The second game was much closer. Jones took a 1-0 lead in the first inning and extended it to 3-0 in the third. The Trojans responded with three runs in the fifth, tying the game at 3-3. In the bottom of the sixth, Graham drew a walk, Wheat followed with a walk, and Dakota Smith’s infield single loaded the bases. Warren Hutchinson then drew a walk to bring in the go-ahead run.
Trevor Hodges, a Watson, Louisiana native, pitched the final two innings to earn his fifth win of the season, striking out three. Drew Lambert started and pitched five innings, allowing three runs, one earned, with seven strikeouts. Both Champagne and Dakota Smith had two singles each, with other players contributing key hits.
Jones (21-8, 4-2 MACCC) will host Southwest in a doubleheader scheduled for 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 25.
