HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Missouri Baptist defeated William Carey 3-1 Thursday night at Milton Wheeler Field. The game featured strong pitching and defensive play from both teams.
The Spartans threatened early, with Carlos Hidalgo reaching on an error and stealing second in the first inning. William Carey worked out of the jam. The Crusaders nearly scored in the bottom half when Tyler Ducksworth reached on an error, but a double play ended the inning.
After three scoreless innings, Missouri Baptist took a 1-0 lead in the fourth on an error. William Carey responded immediately, with Gage Hinnant doubling and DeeJay Booth singling to put runners on the corners. Jayden Mark then doubled, driving in Hinnant to tie the game at 1.
The game remained tied until the eighth inning, when Missouri Baptist took the lead. Miguel Padron was hit by a pitch, and Jayden Orozco doubled to put runners on second and third. Nick Beech then hit a sacrifice fly, giving the Spartans a 2-1 lead.
The Spartans added an insurance run in the ninth inning, pushing the final margin to 3-1. William Carey is scheduled to return to action Friday with games against IU-Kokomo and Missouri Baptist. First pitch against IU-Kokomo is set for 3:30 p.m. at Milton Wheeler Field.
