The Northwest Mississippi Community College baseball team split a doubleheader Wednesday at the Jimmy Bellipanni Baseball Complex. The Rangers defeated Mississippi Delta 8-5 in the first game but fell to Meridian 12-9 in the second.
In the opener, Northwest trailed by four runs going into the seventh inning. The team scored seven runs in that inning, fueled by patience at the plate and a key home run from sophomore Caleb Doty. Doty finished with four RBIs and was named MVP for his performance. Will Howell started for Northwest and pitched five innings, allowing four runs, three earned, with six strikeouts. South McCoy earned the save by closing out the seventh inning, facing only one batter.
The second game saw the Rangers jump to a six-run lead early but surrender eight runs over the final three innings, losing 12-9 to Meridian. Northwest managed only three hits but drew 11 walks and stole eight bases. Hayes Hooker highlighted the game with a three-run home run. Starting pitcher Mac Atkins went four innings, allowing four runs on four hits. Relief pitchers John Griffin Lane, Gideon Deaton, and Barrett McKenney struggled on the mound, combining to give up 12 runs and 10 hits.
Northwest is scheduled to host No. 15 Parkland on Thursday at 2 p.m. at Jim Miles Field. The team will also face Coahoma Community College Friday after weather cancellations affected other games. All home games are streamed at https://nwccrangers.com/watch/. Fans are encouraged to follow the team’s social media accounts for updates.
