MILLINGTON, Tenn. – The Indians, who jumped to No. 6 in the latest NJCAA rankings prior to first pitch Tuesday, exploded for 35-runs as they swept Southwest Tennessee with a 20-14 win in game one, and a 15-4 victory in game two.
Game 1: Indians 20, Southwest Tenn. 14
The Indians (23-4-1, 8-2 MACJC) came out swinging, scoring nine runs in the top of the first highlighted by a two-run home run by Jackson Lancaster (Corinth), two-run double by Kyle Crigger (Corinth) and a two-run scoring single by Brett Coker (Hendersonville, Tenn.).
Southwest Tennessee answered with three runs in the over the first two frames, but the Indians extended their lead to 13-3 in the third on clutch two-out hits by Jacob Hall (Petal) and Austin Powell (Star City, Ark.), followed by a bases loaded walk by Russell Bunch (Saltillo).
Caleb Whittle (Fulton) scored on a sacrifice fly by Lancaster in the fourth and the Indians scored six runs in the fifth to take a 20-9 lead.
To avoid the run-rule, Southwest Tennessee hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth, and played three runs over the final two frames, but the Indians were able to hold on to get the win.
Game 2: Indians 15, Southwest Tenn. 4 (5-innings)
The Indians didn't waste any time getting on the board in game two as they scored three runs in the opening frame and cashed in on an error in the second to take a 4-0 lead. However, their four run lead would disappear in the bottom of the second as Southwest Tennessee tied the contest.
To regain the lead, the Indians took advantage of a pair of error and hit batter to score four runs, and Kylan Carter (Houston) hit a no-doubter to propel the Tribe to a three-run fourth inning.
After adding four runs in the top of the fifth, the Indians picked up the 15-4 run-rule victory and they sweep in their final nonconference series this season.
The Indians return to conference action Saturday when they head to Summit for a twin bill with Southwest Mississippi Community College beginning at 2 p.m.
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