Fulton, Miss. – The Indians overcame an early two run deficit to pick up a 5-2 win over Gulf Coast in game one of the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament qualifier series Friday.
Gulf Coast scored two runs off three hits in the top of the first, but the pitching duo of Will Armistead (Mooreville) and David Rowland (Florence, Ala.) combined to shutout the Bulldogs for the remainder of the contest.
The Indians' began to chip away at the 2-0 lead in the second when Bailey Allbritton (Duck Hill) doubled, moved to third on a balk and then scored as Terris Meeks (Olive Branch) reached on an error.
After four and half quick innings, the Indians still trailed 2-1, but then had a four run bottom of the fifth. Lane Domino (Fulton) tied the contest by scoring when Blaine Ware (Batesville) reached on a fielder's choice. Connar Gardner (Southaven) then hit a two RBI double off the right field fence to put the Indians on top 4-2.
Allbritton capped off the inning with an RBI single and the Indians led 5-2 with four innings to play.
The Bulldogs were down but not out as they had scoring opportunities in the final two frames. Rowland, replaced Armistead in the top of the eighth with two runners on and struck out the next two batters to end the threat. However, the Bulldogs were just a few feet away from tying the contest in the ninth as Meeks caught a deep fly ball with his back against the fence with two runners on base in the ninth.
Rowland was able to keep the Bulldogs off the board and secure the victory for the Indians.
Game two of the best of three series is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. with the if necessary, game three to follow. The battle for a spot in the region tournament will be available on LetsGoICCTV.com/blue
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