No. 3 Pearl River puts on offensive show in sweep at Southwest

SUMMIT, Miss. — If No. 3 Pearl River was feeling down after Sunday’s split at No. 11 Itawamba, it sure did not show it. The Wildcats went on the road and belted seven home runs and plated 37 runs in a sweep of Southwest. They claimed the first game 23-11 and took the nightcap 14-1.

“I think we scored in every inning all day. I don’t know that I’ve ever done that in my career, so I’m very proud,” said coach Michael Avalon. “Our hitters stayed within themselves throughout the day. They didn’t get too big, and that’s special. This group has a lot of talent. When they control their body and swings, good things happen.”

GAME 1

In a game that looked like it was going to be a battle after one inning, Pearl River (27-7 overall; 17-5 MACCC) poured it on late to run-rule Southwest (5-23; 4-16), 23-11.

The Wildcats pounced on the Bears quickly in the first. Tate Parker (Gulfport; West Harrison) brought home the first runs of the contest by way of a three-run opposite-field homer. Von Seibert (Mobile, Ala.; Daphne) grounded out to bring another home. Dalton Cummins (Seminary) was caught in a run-down but avoided being tagged out long enough for Matt Mercer (Petal) to make it home, making the score 5-0.