East Central Community College’s Diamond Warriors remained tied for first-place honors in the MACJC South Division following a doubleheader split with Southwest Mississippi Community College Wednesday, April 21 on the Summit campus.

The Diamond Warriors (32-10, 12-6) fell 12-2 in the opener and held on for a 2-1 decision in the nightcap. The Bears are 23-21 and 7-13.

East Central managed just five hits in the loss, one of which was a home run by Quin Stokes of Carthage. Singles each were recorded by Donnie Tabb of Neshoba Central, Richie Long of Carthage, Ernie Triplett of Louisville and Vincent Kortbawi, a product of Hale County High School in Moundville, Ala.

Southpaw Bobby Bryan, a product of Crossett (Ark.) High School, took the loss on the mound. Bryan allowed three runs on five hits through 2 2/3 innings. He also fanned two batters and walked one.

In the second contest, Kortbawi homered, and Charles Hill of Carthage and Blake Lawson of Biloxi each belted doubles to lead the EC offense. Other sluggers were Long and Andre Yates of Grenada, singles each.

Right-hander Allen Johnson of Leake Academy was the winning pitcher. Johnson allowed four hits and no earned runs through 6 2/3 innings. He also fanned six batters and walked two. Lefty Willard Bacon of Choctaw hurled the final 2/3 inning.

The Diamond Warriors, who are tied with Hinds and Jones County for the division lead, host Pearl River Community Friday, April 23, beginning at 1 p.m. at the Clark/Gay Baseball Complex in Decatur. The MACJC South Division doubleheader was originally scheduled for Saturday but moved to Friday due to anticipated inclement weather. The Wildcats are tied for fourth with Gulf Coast at 10-10.

The ECCC baseball team is led by head coach Neal Holliman and assistants Michael Avalon and Hunter Vick.