Southwest Mississippi Baseball Sweeps Rend Lake with Walk-Off Win
Southwest Mississippi Community College baseball defeated Rend Lake Community College in a doubleheader on February 20, winning both games, 5-4 and 4-2. The Bears secured a walk-off victory in the opener, their fifth of the season, in a game that saw late-game heroics and strong pitching.
In game one, Wyatt Garrett started on the mound for Southwest, pitching four innings with two strikeouts and three runs allowed. Konnor Cazenave pitched two innings, giving up only one run, while Nathan Carter finished the game with one strikeout and earned the win.
Rend Lake jumped ahead early, scoring two runs in the first inning. The Bears tied the game 2-2 in the second inning, thanks to back-to-back singles by Tristain Haynes and Tanner Moore. After a rundown scenario, Moore scored on a play at the plate, tying the game. Rend Lake regained the lead with two runs over the next two innings, but Southwest responded in the sixth with a run scored by Tanner Moore after a double by him and a single by Robbie Hokamp.
Down 4-3 in the final inning, the Bears staged a rally. Luke Simmons led off with a single, stole third, and scored on a sacrifice bunt. Haynes then singled on a bunt to tie the game. Moore followed with a line-drive single to left, scoring Haynes and winning the game 5-4 on a walk-off.
Moore had three hits in game one, with Hokamp and Haynes adding two each. The players also contributed offensively with multiple RBIs, and Haynes and Simmons stole bases.
The second game was a 4-2 victory for Southwest. Rhyson Carroway started and pitched five innings, striking out nine and allowing only one run to earn the win. Brian Hankinson and Nik Carney each pitched an inning, with Carney earning the save.
The Bears jumped to an early 4-0 lead, scoring twice in both the second and third innings. Key hits included singles by Swan and Simmons, and a double by Moore. The team’s pitching staff held Rend Lake to just two runs over the final four innings to secure the win.
Players like Moore, Hokamp, Haynes, and Simmons contributed offensively in the second game, with Moore and Haynes each doubling. Coach Jack Edmonson praised the team’s resilience and pitching depth, expressing excitement for upcoming games.
Southwest Mississippi (10-3) is scheduled to face Baton Rouge Community College in New Orleans on February 23, followed by games against Hinds and Co-Lin at home on February 25.
Source: Original Article
