ALBERTVILLE, Alabama— Back-to-back power throwing performances led No. 17 Pearl River to two wins on day one of the Sand Mountain Classic. The Wildcats had 25 combined strikeouts in a 5-3 win over Georgia Highlands and a 3-1 win over Walters State.
“Our shot worked really well today. The things that have been consistent for us have continued to be consistent today,” Pearl River coach Christie Meeks said. “We had a lot more timely shots today. We did a good job of getting the runners into scoring position and getting them home once they were in position. I’m just proud of what they did today.
PEARL RIVER 5, GEORGIA HIGHLANDS 3.
Hannah Embry (Vicksburg; Porters Chapel) received the start in the circle for Pearl River (8-5 overall) and made quick work of the Georgia Highlands batters (4-11) in the first inning. The sophomore prompted a two-pitch pop out, then scored two strikeouts.
The Wildcats struck first after Hannah Miller (Kokomo; West Marion) reached on an error and came to score on an RBI single from Julianah Overstreet (Vancleave).
After another fast run from Embry, PRCC tacked on another run in the second run. Cassidy Cartwright (Poplarville) reached base after hitting a fielder’s pick and immediately put herself in scoring position by sliding second. A Payton Lee (Picayune; Pearl River Central) single then brought it home to make it 2-0.
A Georgia Highlands RBI brace cut the deficit to one at 2-1 early in the third inning.
Pearl River immediately recovered that point in the bottom half of the inning. Miller walked tied to start the inning and was advanced to third base on two outs on the ground. Sophomore wide receiver Aunie Rethmeyer (Belle Chasse, La.) then hit a hard ground fly past shortstop to make it 3-1.
The Chargers took the lead again in the sixth inning, scoring a run on an RBI single to make it 3-2.
The PRCC got two important insurance runs in the sixth inning to make it 5-2. Cartwright opened the inning with a single and Lee called, jostling to beat a dropped third strike. Emily Rigney (Waynesboro; Wayne County) then loaded up the bases by releasing a bunt single. After a defensive player was chosen, Miller brought in a single down the middle to bring Lee and Rigney home.
GHCC tried to rally in the seventh inning but were only able to strike out a single run, which ended in a 5-3 win at Pearl River.
Embry pitched a full game, striking out eight batters. She allowed 10 hits, three runs and three walks.
“Embry pitched very well today. They were a great offensive team and she knocked them off balance,” Meeks said. “His riseball was working really well. She worked hard on her curve and moved it around the trim. She was pushing really hard with her change today.
Miller led the Wildcats at the plate, recording a hit, two RBIs, two runs and a walk. Overstreet led the team in hits with two. She also scored an RBI.
PEARL RIVER 3, WALTERS STATE 1.
Game 2 story was Brinson Anne Rogers (Statesboro, Ga.) who increased her season-high in strikeouts to 17 in her all-game effort.
“Coming out of Northwest Florida, Brinson just needed to be herself again and she did,” Meeks said. “She dug in, got her timing back and threw really well.”
The Wildcats once again opened the scoring, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning. Taelor York (Choctaw; Clinton Christian) drew a five-pitch walk to start the inning. She then moved into the running position by stealing second base. Keigan Pearson (Career; Pearl River Central) was then knocked out, bringing York to the plate. Overstreet doubled on the third pitch she saw and a Jena Pacheco (Vancleave) single brought it home to make it 2-0.
Walters State (7-3) made back-to-back walks to start bottom first, and it looked like Rogers was in trouble. The right-hander didn’t let the threat bother her as she quickly struck out the next three batters, part of a nine-game strikeout streak.
Walters State managed to get into the scoring column in the fourth inning, scoring a run after a Wildcat error and a double. The kick brought the score to 2-1.
Pearl River capped the score in the sixth inning. Miller and Pearson opened the inning with singles. A flyout brought Miller forward and a Pacheco sacrifice fly brought it home to make it 3-1.
Rogers ended his incredible performance by collecting three strikeouts in the bottom of the seventh inning, giving Pearl River a 3-1 win.
Dallyn Nance (Nanih Waiya) was the only Wildcat with multiple hits, collecting two. Pacheco led the team in RBIs with two.
FOLLOWING
PRCC returns to action tomorrow against Columbia State and Chattanooga State. The first pitch is set at 10 a.m.
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