NWCC Ranger Baseball Team Opens Season With Sweep
Ronnie Ferrell
Two superb pitching performances were key as Northwest swept a doubleheader from the Arkansas Baptist College Buffaloes by scores of 7-1 and 10-0 Feb. 7 at Ranger Field in Senatobia.
Northwest sophomore first baseman Joel Rich of Southaven pushed the lead to 3-0 with a solo home run in the fifth frame.
Northwest sophomore pitcher Matt Shaw of Oxford, a University of Southern Mississippi signee, struck out eight in 5 2/3 innings and scattered six hits to earn the win.
The Rangers added four more runs in the sixth inning thanks to RBI-singles by Rich and freshman third baseman Ethan Bright of Batesville.
Northwest sophomore pitcher Mark Husband of Tunica was the star of the nightcap by striking out seven over the first four inning to get the victory. Husband allowed just two hits and walked none.
The Rangers built a 5-0 advantage after two innings when Milliorn and Hunter Parham of Southaven both drew bases loaded walks. Northwest freshman catcher Joseph Blair of Batesville aided the cause with an RBI-groundout, while freshman Drew Griffin of Bolivar, Tenn., collected an RBI-single.
Blair knocked in another run with an RBI-double as part of a five-run fourth inning. Freshman Chad Wardlaw of Olive Branch and sophomore Tyler Benson of Batesville both picked up an RBI-singles in that frame.
