BILOXI, Miss. — No. 4 Pearl River had a memorable experience Wednesday night. For the second straight year, the Wildcats took on the Double-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, the Biloxi Shuckers. The Wildcats fell 7-0, but the importance of the game goes far beyond the score.
"This is what they dream of their whole life. The guys we played against could reach the major leagues — if they haven't already. This is a special opportunity," head coach Michael Avalon said. "I am very thankful and humbled by this opportunity. I did not see anyone who was afraid or starstruck and that's what is special about this group. They believe in themselves, and they're talented and confident."
Avalon talked about having the opportunity to square off with the Shuckers once again.
"I give credit to Pearl River Community College. It's not by chance that we are here," he said. "There are people that have come before us and people that are working with us right now to make these things possible. This is a very humbling experience, and I'm thankful to be a small part of it."
JT Schnoor (Pascagoula; Resurrection) once again earned the start against the Shuckers. He spoke about getting the opportunity not once but twice.
"It's surreal playing against the best of the best. It's everyone's dream to get here," Schnoor said. It's not every day, especially as a junior college pitcher, that you get to start twice against a professional team."
Schnoor performed at a high level in the contest. Working around a leadoff hit batsman, Schnoor fooled Biloxi's second batter, who struck out on a failed check swing attempt. After a walk, Schnoor made back-to-back batters fly out to right field, earning a clean inning. Schnoor commented on his performance.
"Last year, I let the moment get too big and got outside of who I am," he said. "I think the experience of being a little older and being in this situation before helped me stay under control tonight."
Creek Robertson (Oxford; Madison Central) played well, narrowly missing a homer. He doubled off the wall in right-center field for the Wildcats lone extra-base hit.
"I struck out my first time — swinging under everything. At this level, all of the guys have great run on their fastball. I knew I had to get on top of the baseball and hunt it down," he said. During the next at-bat, the pitcher shook off, so I was a little worried, but I stayed with my approach, stayed fastball, and put a good swing on it. It was pretty cool."
Robertson talked about getting to play against professionals.
"It was a blessing for me and all of these guys. I've played on some big stages, but I've never gotten to play professional baseball against guys that I've watched," he said. "It was the biggest stage I've played on, for sure. It was awesome seeing where all of us want to be one day. I am thankful for the Pearl River and its administration. This was a really cool experience."
Seven different Wildcats toed the rubber on the big stage, each throwing an inning apiece. Those who made an appearance were Schnoor, Konnor Graham (Hammond, La.), Eli Waters (Petal), Carson Fair (Southaven), Reed McCrillis (Madison; Madison Central), Austin Tommasini (Madison; Madison Central) and AJ Hansen (Mobile, Ala.; McGIll-Toolen). They combined for eight strikeouts.
Although several Wildcats put good swings on the baseball, Robertson and Marshall Phillips (Hattiesburg; Sumrall) were the only Wildcats to get into the hit column.
NEXT UP
Pearl River returns to Dub Herring Park on Saturday for a 2/5 p.m. doubleheader against East Mississippi.
TICKETS
Tickets are on sale now at PRCCAthletics.com/Tickets. General admission tickets are $8 per game.
HOW TO WATCH
The Wildcats livestream all games for free at PRCCMedia.com/gold. Fans who have Roku, Amazon Fire or Apple TV devices can also watch the Wildcat broadcasts by downloading the "Pearl River CC" channel from their app stores.
Games can also be heard at WRJW 1320-AM, 106.9 FM and WRJWRadio.com.
For the latest on Pearl River Community College athletics, follow us on X (@PRCCAthletics) and Facebook (PRCCAthletics).