MERIDIAN — The Northwest Mississippi Community College baseball team improved to 5-3 with a split of two games Tuesday at Scaggs Field. The Rangers beat Meridian Community College 7-3 in the opener but lost to Pearl River 7-3 in the second game.
In the first game, Northwest jumped to an early 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Meridian responded with three runs in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game. However, Northwest scored at least one run in each of the last three innings to secure the win. Hallas Lawson led the offense with three hits, including a home run. Freshman South McCoy went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, and Walker Sanders hit a homer as well. Mason McMillin and Corey Watkins added doubles, with Watkins driving in a run. The Rangers’ pitching staff was led by Will Howell, who pitched 3 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on three hits and striking out three. Preston Johnson relieved Howell, tossing 3 1/3 innings without allowing a run and striking out two.
In the second game against No. 2 Pearl River, Northwest struggled offensively, managing only three runs. Evan Lightsey hit a two-run homer, accounting for most of the offense. Hayes Hooker also recorded an RBI. Walker Sanders was the only other player with an extra-base hit. The pitching staff had a tough day, with starter Derrin Randle allowing five runs on six hits in 2 1/3 innings. John Griffin Lane pitched one inning, giving up one run on two hits, while Robbins also surrendered a run in two-thirds of an inning.
The Rangers are set to host Illinois Central for a weekend series at Jim Miles Field. The first game is scheduled for Friday, February 20, at 2 p.m., followed by a doubleheader on Saturday, with games at 2 p.m. and approximately 30 minutes after the first. All home games will be streamed live on the school’s website. Fans can follow the team on social media or visit nwccrangers.com for updates.
