The Northwest Mississippi Community College baseball team started their season with a doubleheader sweep of Missouri State University-West Plains on Saturday in Millington, Tennessee. The Rangers won the first game 8-6 and edged the Grizzlies 8-7 in the second game, according to team reports.
In the opener, NWCC struggled early, failing to score in the first three innings. After allowing one run in the third and two in the fourth, the Rangers scored three in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game. They added a run in the fifth and four in the sixth. Missouri State-West Plains scored three in the seventh but couldn’t complete the comeback, as NWCC held on for the win. Sophomores Mason McMillin and John Whit Snopek led offensively, with McMillin hitting a home run and driving in three RBIs. Snopek added two RBIs and stole a base. Preston Johnson earned the win in relief, tossing 2.2 innings and striking out three. South McCoy secured the save with two outs in the seventh.
In the second game, NWCC overcame a 6-1 deficit in the first four innings. The Grizzlies scored six runs early but gave up four in the fifth inning, allowing the Rangers to cut the lead to 6-5. Both teams scored once in the sixth, and NWCC scored two in the bottom of the seventh to walk off with the victory. Mason Gillentine was the offensive star, driving in three runs and reaching base three times. Four other Rangers contributed RBIs, including players who did not record hits. The bullpen combined to close out the game, with John Griffin Lane earning the win in relief.
The Rangers will conclude their series against Missouri State-West Plains at USA Stadium in Millington on Sunday at noon. Fans can follow the team on social media or visit nwccrangers.com for updates.
