Lions can't stop MDCC Trojans
By By Tony Krausz / assistant sports editor
April 22, 2003
SCOOBA East Mississippi Community College began its nine-inning contest against the Mississippi Delta Community College Trojans like its names sake, the Lions, but the squad exited like lambs Monday at Gerald Poole Field.
EMCC (14-25) jumped out to a 4-1 lead only to watch MDCC (21-14) pound out 13 runs in the sixth and seventh inning for a 14-4 run-rule victory.
MDCC left fielder John Morgan powered a first-pitch offering over the center-field wall for a three-run homer in the top of the seventh.
The outfielder's round-trip blast gave the Trojans a 10-run lead over EMCC to cap the visiting's squad comeback in the run-ruled game.
MDCC took over the game in the sixth inning notching six runs on three hits to erase a three-run deficit.
The Trojans sliced through the Lions' bullpen to take a 7-4 advantage after the sixth.
Morgan led off the sixth with a single to right-center field, and first baseman Rhett Ruscoe drew a walk knocking EMCC starting pitcher Matt Lindsey off the mound, with the Lions leading 4-1.
EMCC reliever Dustin Pounders lasted just two batters on the mound after replacing Lindsey, walking both batters he faced and giving up the first run of the inning.
Lions utility infielder Matt Minchew took over the mound duties for EMCC after Pounders.
The sophomore right-hander's fourth pitch went into the dirt to allow another run to score, and he gave up a two-run single the first batter he faced in relief giving the Trojans a 5-4 lead.
MDCC second baseman Dan Rives and third baseman Brett Cerda each tallied RBIs to give the visiting team a 7-4 advantage.
The Trojans continued to press the Lions at the plate in the seventh inning tallying seven runs on four hits, including Morgan's home run, and one EMCC error.
MDCC first baseman Rhett Ruscoe led off the seventh reaching first on an error by EMCC's third baseman, and right fielder Mark Vance drew a walk in the next at bat chasing Minchew off the mound.
EMCC's fourth reliever of the game, Clint Richards, didn't fare much better than his bullpen predecessors
The right-hander gave up a one-run double to Trojans shortstop Derick Weeks, and he was burned for a one-run single against the second batter he faced giving the Trojans a 9-4 lead.
MDCC increased its lead to 11-4 on the strength of a sacrifice fly and an RBI single leading to the homer that finished the game.
EMCC appeared to be ready to avenge its 21-5 to MDCC on March 27 at the start of the game.
Lions third baseman Drew Powell gave the home team a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning with an RBI single up the middle to bring home center fielder Wade Whitaker, who led off with a walk.
MDCC tied the game in the top of the second, but EMCC notched two runs on one hit and three errors to take a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the fourth.
Lions second baseman Dusty Snider drove in the first run of the fourth with a single to right field, and he moved into scoring position at third base, after Vance had trouble returning the ball to the infield.
Snider scored the second run of the fourth on a dropped third strike, in which the Trojans failed to get the Lions' batter out at first with a throw from the catcher to the bag.
EMCC catcher Justin McMullan tallied an RBI single in the bottom of the fifth to give the Lions a 4-1 lead.
Minchew took the loss for EMCC giving up four runs on two hits in one inning of work. Lindsey, who didn't factor into the decision, allowed three runs, one earned, on five hits in five innings of work.
Powell went 2-for-3 at the plate for the Lions, with one RBI, and McMullan went 1-for-1, with two walks and an RBI.
Cerda went 4-for-5 at the plate for the Trojans, with two RBIs, and Morgan went 2-for-5, with three RBIs.
EMCC continues its season with a Central Division double-header against Hinds Community College at 3 p.m. Wednesday at home.
