Rowe, Payne lead Baseball to 10-3 win over Meridian

Rowe, Payne lead Baseball to 10-3 win over Meridian
Lee Adams/LetsGoICC.com 

FULTON, MS – After seeing their rally come up two runs short in game one, the Itawamba Community College baseball squad left little doubt in game two picking up a 10-3 game two victory over Meridian Community College behind big performances from Timothy Rowe (Hernando) and John Morgan Payne (Belmont) Friday.

The Indians (14-10, 2-6 MACJC) had an offensive explosion in the first two frames scoring seven runs highlighted by Rowe, who went 3-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI, smashing a two run home run to right that capped off a six run second inning.

While the offense was on fire, Payne was taking care of business on the mound striking out four of the first five batters he faced. Payne went on to strike out the side in the second and fourth innings.

The Eagles were able to drive in two runs in the third, but another two run home run in as many at bats by Rowe put the Indians up 9-2.

Both teams would add another run in the final two innings, but the lead was too big for the Eagles (21-3, 6-2 MACJC) to overcome, giving the Indians the 10-3 win and the split.

Payne went the distance for the Indians and finished with 10 strike outs while allowing only five hits and walking three to improve to 3-3 this season.

Ty Wheeler (Tupelo), Delvin Zinn (Pontotoc) and Hagan Box (French Camp) all picked up RBIs in the win.

The game two victory was one for the record books as well, as head coach Rick Collier became the programs All-Time Winningest Coach with 452 wins.

The Indians look to add to that number as they travel to Senatobia Tuesday for another MACJC doubleheader with Northwest Mississippi Community College. First pitch is set for 3:00 pm and can be watched live at nwccrangers.com/watch

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