March 9, 2017
A late inning run in game two allowed the East Central Community College to sweep NJCAA Division I Shelton State Community College in a baseball doubleheader Wednesday, March 8, at the Clark-Gay Baseball Complex in Decatur.
ECCC’s overall record improved to 12-2 on the season.
In game one, the Diamond Warriors took the lead early scoring one run in the top of the first on a sacrifice bunt by sophomore Billy Cameron of Mendenhall High School. ECCC extended its lead on a fielder’s choice by sophomore Nathan Roseberry of Purvis High School and single by Luke Yancey of East Rankin High School in the second.
East Central added two more in the sixth on a double by Jacob Edwards of Newton County High School for a 5-2 victory.
Right-hander Cole Gray of Lamar School in Meridian picked up the win after pitching five innings and surrendering no runs, one hit, and striking out nine. Freshman Dylan Marsh of Lake Cormorant High School recorded the last three outs and picked up the save.
In the nightcap, the Diamond Warriors beat the Buccaneers 4-3 as East Central got the winning run in the bottom of the fifth off the bat of Cole Prestegard of Huntsville (Ala.) High School with a solo home run.
East Central went up early scoring two in the bottom of the second on single by Cooper Clement of Water Valley High School, but the Buccaneers tied the game in the top of the fourth. The Diamond Warriors regained the lead scoring one in the bottom of the fifth.
Shelton State went three innings before plating two runs in the top of the fourth and one in the top of the fifth to tie the game.
Sophomore right-hand pitcher Christian Bellew of Gulfport High School earned the win, pitching two-thirds of an inning and surrendering no runs and one hit. Right –hander Tanner Elders of Newton County High School got the save for the Warriors.
Left-hander Peyton Lott of Seminary High School started the game for Warriors. He pitched four and a third innings, surrendering three runs, six hits, and striking out eight.
The East Central Diamond Warriors will travel to Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas to face Arkansas Baptist Community College Sunday, March 12, at 1:30 p.m. and then play Tyler at 4 p.m.
