Northwest splits doubleheader with Northeast Mississippi in baseball
Senatobia, Miss. – The 20th-ranked Northwest Mississippi Community College baseball team rebounded after a challenging loss to Northeast Mississippi, splitting Tuesday’s doubleheader at Jim Miles Field. The Rangers lost the first game 10-2 but secured an 8-2 victory in the nightcap, keeping pace in the MACCC standings with fourth-ranked East Central Community College, both holding an 11-5 conference record.
Northwest head coach Mark Carson said the team was unprepared in the first game. “The first one was embarrassing,” he said. “That was the least prepared we’ve been all year. I take responsibility for that. We took some time off over the weekend, and the last few days of practice were tough. We just didn’t come ready to play against a good team.”
In the first game, pitcher Derrin Randle allowed only two hits over five innings and struck out a career-high nine batters. Despite limiting Northeast to two runs, Randle struggled with control, issuing four walks and hitting five batters. Carson praised Randle’s resilience, saying, “If he eliminates his walks, he’s going to be a special player.”
The Rangers threatened multiple times but couldn’t break through against Northeast’s starting pitcher, who pitched into the seventh inning. Northwests’ offense was silenced after a solo home run from South McCoy in the eighth inning, and the team stranded runners in key moments, ultimately falling behind 10-2 after a rough eighth inning.
In the second game, Northwest came out energized, jumping to a 7-1 lead in the first two innings. The offense was sparked by a double from Mason Gillentine and singles from Evan Lightsey and Hallas Lawson. McMillin’s two-run double and a home run from McCoy, his 11th of the season, capped a five-run second inning. Caleb Doty pitched six strong innings, allowing two runs on five hits and striking out six to earn his fourth win of the season.
Carson noted the team’s improved performance in game two. “They rebounded, and Caleb Doty was very solid,” he said. “We scored early, which helped us take control. I’m not happy with a split at home, but we played well in the second game, and that’s encouraging.”
The Rangers will host Hinds Community College in a key conference doubleheader this weekend. For updates, visit nwccrangers.com or follow the team on social media.
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