POPLARVILLE, Miss. – Powered by a four-run fourth inning, the No. 8 Indians battled their way to a 6-0 win in Game 1 at Pearl River Community College on Tuesday.
The Indians (18-5, 9-0 MACJC) broke open a scoreless contest when Macey Cox (Troy, Tenn.) and Shelby Newsom (Cleveland) started the fourth inning with back-to-back singles. Rachel Sternisha (Olive Branch) and Hailey Reed (Batesville) entered to run and scored on a base-loaded throwing error that allowed Madison Carnes (Ecru) to reach on a fielder's choice.
Carnes scored when Meg Sullivan (Springville, Ala.) reached on the second error of the inning. Cori Childs (New Site) caught the Wildcats (11-10, 4-3 MACJC) napping to score the final run of the inning as she sprinted home from third while the first baseman held the ball after the throw.
ICC added on a pair of insurance runs in the sixth to take a 6-0 lead.
Sullivan on double down the line in right field before scoring when Piper reached on an infield single that drew the catcher away from home. With plate left unprotected, Sullivan beat the catcher home to push the lead to 5-0. Samantha Conley (Mandeville, La.) stole home to give the Indians the six-run advantage.
The Indians had eight hits with Cox leading the way with three hits and Sullivan adding a pair of doubles in the win.
Bailie Springfield (Mantee) tied a career-high with nine strikeouts to improve to 11-2 on the season. She recorded her fourth shutout of the season after scattering three hits and one walk in the complete game victory.
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