MERIDIAN — The Northwest Mississippi Community College baseball team swept Meridian Community College in a doubleheader at Scaggs Field, marking their first conference series sweep this season. The Rangers improved to 17-10 overall and 5-3 in the MACCC, while Meridian fell to 14-12 and 2-6 in league play.
In the first game, the teams combined to score 40 runs. Northwest built a 14-0 lead with seven runs in the second and third innings but allowed Meridian to rally with 18 runs from the third to fifth innings. The Eagles took an 18-14 lead into the later innings. The Rangers responded by scoring in every inning from the sixth to the ninth, retaking the lead and winning 21-19.
Walker Sanders led all players with seven RBIs, including a home run and a double. Barrett McKenney went 3-for-3 with two home runs and a double, while Mason McMillin also hit two homers. Northwest totaled 18 hits, their most in a game this season, with seven home runs from five different players. The team also stole five bases.
Will Howell started for Northwest, pitching 3.1 innings and allowing seven runs. After he was relieved, six pitchers combined to finish the game. Preston Johnson earned the win, allowing one hit over 2.2 innings.
The second game saw Northwest score seven runs in the second inning after giving up a run in the first. The Rangers cruised to a 15-4 victory, collecting 10 hits, 14 RBIs, and drawing 13 walks. Freshman South McCoy shined with two doubles, a triple, and five RBIs, establishing himself as a top hitter in the league. Evan Lightsey and Mason McMillin added an extra-base hit each, with Lightsey hitting a double and McMillin a home run.
On the mound, Eli Deberry pitched a complete game, allowing four runs on four hits with three strikeouts. The Rangers’ defense supported Deberry, committing no errors in the game.
Northwest will host East Mississippi in a doubleheader Wednesday at Jim Miles Field, starting at 2 p.m. The second game is scheduled for 5 p.m., or 30 minutes after the first concludes. All home games are streamed at https://nwccrangers.com/watch/. Fans can follow the team on social media or visit their website for updates.
