Fulton, Miss. - In game two of the best-of-three series, No. 15 Itawamba Community College baseball held on to defeat Hinds Community College, 9-8, and advance to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 23 Tournament.
The Indians (35-11) had a pair of big innings and held an eight run lead after scoring six runs the second and three in the fourth. However, the Eagles didn't go away without a fight and had the tying run in scoring position in the final frame.
Dre McCray (Water Valley), who went 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles, started the scoring for the Indians with a two-run scoring double (video) in the bottom of the second, followed by a two-run scoring single (video) from Jackson Lee (Calhoun City).
Will Verdung (Corinth) capped off the inning with a two-run home run (video), his 15th long ball of the season.
With the bases loaded in the fourth, Matthew Martinolich (Ellisville) drew a walk and Verdung was hit by a pitch to extend the lead to 8-1. The Indians final run scored when Lee crossed the plate while the Eagles turned a double play.
The Eagles scored two-run in the fifth and seventh innings and three in the eighth to cut the lead to one, 9-8.
In the top of the ninth, the Eagles put the tying run on second base, but the Indians were able to hold off comeback to pick up the win and the series sweep.
Matt Bourdon (Collierville, Tenn.) picked up the win in his first collegiate start and improves to 4-0 this season.
After a one year absence, the Indians will compete in the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament that is scheduled to begin Monday, May, 15 in Eunice, La. The Indians next game will be announced once the game times, opponents and bracket are official.