Fulton, Miss. – Itawamba Community College hosted Sophomore Day Saturday and celebrated with a walk-off home run to defeat Gulf Coast 12-11 in game one, before dropping game two, 11-5.
Game 1: Indians 12, Bulldogs 11
The Indians (17-19, 11-13 MACCC) jumped out to an early 2-0 lead as Bryce Capobianco (Saltillo) drove in runs in the first and third, but a nine-run top of the fourth put the Indians behind 9-2.
However, the Indians quickly answered with three runs in the bottom of the fourth on a Will Verdung (Corinth) bases loaded double.
The Indians scored a run in the fifth, and then Verdung struck again hitting a two-run home run in the sixth to cut the Bulldogs lead to one, 9-8. In the same inning, Riley Davis (Collierville, Tenn.) scored to tie the game on an error during a double play attempt and Drew Capobianco (Saltillo) followed with a double to score the go ahead run and give the Indians a 10-9 lead.
Gulf Coast would tie the contest at 10-10 on a solo home run in the top of the eight, but Drew Capobianco hit his second RBI double of the game to put the Indians back on top 11-10.
Once again, the Bulldogs tied the game in the top of the ninth, but Verdung struck once again, hitting a walk-off solo home run to left to give the Indians the 12-11 game one victory. Verdung also picked up the win on the mound for his first of the season.
Game 2: Bulldogs 11, Indians 5
In the nightcap, Gulf Coast took advantage of the long ball hitting four home runs on their way to the 11-5 win and the split.
Despite the six run loss, the Indians battled and cut the Bulldogs' lead to three in the fifth on a two-run home run by Davis. The Indians final run of the day came on Verdung's third home run of the day, a solo shot in the final inning.
The Indians will host Holmes Tuesday for the final home game of the 2022 season, and first pitch of the conference doubleheader is scheduled for 2 p.m.
Follow ICC Athletics: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram