Wildcats rip Brandon Bulldogs on baseball field

By By Marty Stamper / EMG Sports Assistant
March 20, 2002
When Meridian left-handed pitcher John Iverson is on, he's a pretty tough pitcher to face. When he's not, he's still not too shabby.
Iverson lasted just over four innings in Meridian's 11-2 Division 5-5A rout of Brandon Tuesday night at John Moss Field.
Iverson (4-1) gave up a run in the top of the first inning on two singles and a pair of walks. Then he struck out the next seven batters he faced as the Wildcats built a 7-1 advantage.
Iverson finished with nine strikeouts, five walks, and three hit batsmen in four-plus innings. He only allowed two hits and both Brandon runs.
Meridian improved to 3-0 in the division and 14-5 overall with the win. The Wildcats have completed one trip through the double-round robin loop with wins over Natchez, Wayne County, and now Brandon. Obviously, winning keeps Meridian in control of its playoff destiny.
John Stevens tied the contest in the bottom of the first inning with a solo homer to left field. Stevens finished the night 3-for-4, scoring two runs.
The Cats struck for six runs on five hits, two walks, and a pair of Bulldog errors in the bottom of the third. Torry Bates had a two-run double, while Andy Slayton had a two-run single. Lance Burnham had an RBI-single.
Brandon got its second run in the top of the fifth on a bases-loaded walk to losing pitcher Kyle Sephton.
Meridian tacked on four more runs in the bottom of the fifth. Richmond Alexander had a two-run single, while a single by Slayton drove in one run. Maurice Cole had a double in the inning.
Tyler Maxwell tossed the final three innings to pick up a save.
Burnham went 2-for-3 for Meridian, while Slayton went 2-for-4.
Brandon had just three hits, all of which were singles.
Meridian returns to action Friday night at West Lauderdale.