Eagles post convincing wins on first day of Rush Classic

Sean Covich/special to The Star

The Meridian Community College baseball team started off the 2007 Rush Invitational with a commanding performance behind the arm of starting pitcher, Lee Swindle (2-0).

MCC defeated Wabash Valley Community College of Illinois 11-1 in a run-ruled shortened game.

Swindle used just 61 pitches to shut down the Wabash Valley College lineup in 6 innings. Swindle gave up just 2 hits and struck out four batters.

“Swindle pitched like he’s suppose to pitch, he did a good job on the mound,” said MCC’s head baseball coach, Chris Rose.

“Our catcher (David Woods) also did an excellent job behind the plate.”

Meanwhile the Eagle offense exploded right out of the gates. In the first inning MCC used four hits to score eight runs in the bottom half of the first inning to take a commanding 8-1 lead.

“Our offense took advantage of what they gave us,” said Rose.

MCC’s centerfielder, Toddrick Stevenson, got the scoring started. After a leadoff walk, Stevenson stole second base to get into scoring position. After a few walks, Stevenson moved to third where he scored after a wild pitch. Stevenson would end up batting again in the inning and drove in a run with a sacrifice fly to centerfield.

From that point on, the floodgates opened and MCC would score all eight of their eleven runs in the first inning.

The Eagles added two more runs in the fourth and one more run in the sixth inning to seal the game. With the win, MCC improved to 4-1 on the season. Wabash Valley starts off their season at 0-1.

MCC 10

SEICC 2

MCC’s strong pitching performance got even stronger in game 2 versus Southeastern Illinois Community College.

The Eagles started sophomore Wade Weathers. Weathers tossed five strong innings giving up no hits and striking out eight batters.

“Wade really gained control of his pitches in the third inning,” said Rose.

“(John) Hendrix also did a good job in closing out the game.”

Offensively the Eagles hit the long ball well, notching four homeruns in the second game. Tyler Moore hit a two run homerun in the fifth inning, which gives him a team high four homeruns on the young season. Michael Guerro’s two run shot in the sixth inning put the game away as the Eagles took a 10-2 lead.

Justin Worby, who played catcher for game two, had a productive game at the plate going 3 for 3 with two singles and a double.

“When we hit the ball we hit it well,” said Rose.

“Four homeruns as a team in one seven inning game isn’t too bad.”

With the win, Weathers improves to 2-0 on the year. Seth Cockrum lost his first start for SE Illinois, 0-1.

MCC (5-1) will take tomorrow off and return to the Rush Invitational on Sunday when they play Wabash Valley at 2 p.m. and then Southeastern Illinois at 4 p.m.

Pear River will play back to back games tomorrow in day two of the Rush Invitational, versus Wabash Valley and Southeastern Illinois. Alabama Southern and Wabash Valley close out the action Saturday night.