Oxford, Ala. — Lee University staged a dramatic eighth-inning rally to overcome a five-run deficit and beat Mississippi College 13-12 in a thrilling postseason game Sunday at Choccolocco Park. The Flames scored nine runs in the inning to flip the game in their favor, sealing the victory in the teams’ first-ever postseason matchup, according to sources.
The Choctaws (28-24) built a commanding lead early, with key home runs from Jake LaRocca and Will Langston helping them lead 12-4 heading into the eighth. Mississippi College extended its lead in the fifth and seventh innings, but Lee responded with a decisive eighth that included a grand slam and a two-RBI single, sources said.
Langston finished with four runs scored and his 10th home run of the season. LaRocca had two RBIs on his seventh homer. Alex Johnson led Lee with four hits and three RBIs, while Ty Murphy added three hits, three runs scored and two stolen bases. Creek Robertson contributed three RBIs for the Flames.
The Flames’ starter, Coby Gollott, pitched 5.2 innings, allowing four earned runs and striking out six. Lee’s bullpen faltered in the eighth, giving up nine runs, with defensive errors contributing to the rally, according to reports. Taylor Ballard took the loss after recording two-thirds of an inning.
Mississippi College threatened again in the ninth, putting runners in scoring position with no outs, but Lee’s defense held firm, retiring the next three batters and securing the win. The Choctaws now turn their focus to the NCAA regional selection process, hoping for a bid, sources noted.
