BREWTON, Ala. — No. 4 Pearl River split its doubleheader with Coastal Alabama - East Warhawks Tuesday. The Wildcats won game one 3-2 and lost the second 6-2.
"We just had a tough day offensively," PRCC coach Michael Avalon said. "That was credit to Coastal Alabama – East throwing strikes and making plays. They limited what we were able to do. The story of the day is that we just didn't score the runs that we are capable of."
GAME ONE The Wildcats (7-1 overall) started off strong in the top of the first with Gabe Broadus (Wilmer, Ala; Faith Academy) coming around to score on a double into deep center field by Alex Perry (McComb; North Pike).
Shortly after, D.K. Donaldson drove in Perry on a ground ball to shortstop, increasing the lead 2-0.
From there, the game turned into a pitcher's duel with Turner Swistak (Hattiesburg; Oak Grove) retiring eight in a row to start the afternoon.
The Warhawks (3-9) finally broke through in the fourth inning on a Pearl River error. Swistak was able to limit the damage and get out of the jam.
Coastal Alabama - East tied things up 2-2 in the sixth with a solo homerun.
Landen Payne (Ocean Springs; St. Martin) entered in relief and retired the side with a strikeout and ground out.
The Wildcats reclaimed the lead in the seventh off a Taylor Woodcock (Pass Christian; West Harrison) double that drove in Triston Hickman (Wiggins; Stone County) to make the score 3-2.
The Warhawks got the tying run on base but were turned away by Payne to end the ballgame. Turner Swistak got the start for the Wildcats in game one, going 5.1 innings and only allowing two runs on three hits. He also struck out six.
"Turner threw really well today," Avalon said. "He's finally back to his old self."
Payne came in and pitched 1 2/3 innings and struck out three.
Broadus led the way offensively, collecting three hits in four at-bats. He also scored a run.
Perry, Hickman, and Woodcock all finished with a hit each. Woodcock and Perry both drove in a run.
GAME TWO The Wildcats opened the scoring early through a Perry sacrifice fly that scored Broadus from third.
The Warhawks responded quickly, tying things up in the bottom of the first at 1-1.
Coastal Alabama - East took its first lead of the day in the bottom of the second at 2-1.
Pearl River answered in the third on a Matt Mercer (Richton; Petal) double that drove in Tate Parker (Gulfport; West Harrison).
The Warhawks took control in the fifth scoring two and taking the lead 4-2.
They went on to add on two insurance runs in the sixth, making the score 6-2.
Pearl River threatened in the top of the seventh but was turned away, losing 6-2.
Sam Hill (Soso; West Jones) got the start in game two and went 4 2/3 innings with three earned runs on four hits. He struck out eight.
"Sam threw very well in game two," Avalon said. "I probably left him out there a little too long and they were able to get to him late."
Mason Smith (Laurel; Northeast Jones) and Parker Harrington (Hattiesburg; Oak Grove) each pitched a third of an inning.
Blake Hooks (Petal) pitched two thirds of an inning.
Broadus and Parker had two hits each. Broadus also scored a run.
"Broadus did a good job of getting on base," Avalon said. "He did a solid job at the leadoff position. We ask him to get on base and he does."
Mercer finished with a hit and an RBI. Perry finished with an RBI and a walk.
UP NEXT The Wildcats return to action on Sunday in Millington, Tennessee. They will take on North Iowa Area and Dyersburg State. First pitch is set for 10 a.m.
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