EMCC Lions amass 29 runs and 26 hits during road softball sweep over Mississippi Delta

MOORHEAD – East Mississippi Community College's softball team totaled 29 runs and 26 hits to cruise to a decisive road doubleheader sweep (15-3, 14-3) over Mississippi Delta during Wednesday's MACCC action.

Along with posting eight multi-run innings in 11 frames played during the pair of run-rule decisions, half of EMCC's hits on the day were for extra bases, including 10 doubles.

In the opening game following a scoreless first inning, the Lions recovered from a brief 3-2 deficit after two innings to produce three runs during each of the next two frames. Layla Roper's two-run triple capped the third inning for EMCC, while the Lions hit through the lineup a frame later to move ahead, 8-3.

The Lions then sealed the day's initial victory two innings later when they batted around during a seven-run sixth that was highlighted by Lana Atkins' third double of the game along with run-scoring, two-base hits from Roper and Brianna Byrd.

Atkins' trio of doubles and Victoria Irby's three singles paced EMCC's 16-hit attack in the day's first win. Byrd and Roper were joined by Karen Wisher and Rachel Rommel with two hits apiece in the opener.

In the circle, EMCC's Carys Goodwin scattered six hits over six innings to improve to 6-2 on the year with her sixth complete game of the season.

The Lions continued to post crooked numbers on the scoreboard during the nightcap. After hitting through the lineup during a six-run first inning that saw the first six batters all reach base, EMCC added three runs during each of the next two frames to hold a 12-3 advantage after three innings.

East Mississippi concluded a 29-run twin-bill by scoring two more times in the fifth inning of the nightcap. Atkins capped her strong offensive performance with a sacrifice fly that plated Jenna Kirkland, who had led off the frame with a triple. Two batters later, Gail Wisher smacked a two-out solo homer for her third home run of the season.

In addition to going 6-for-6 at the plate with four doubles, six RBIs, five runs scored, two walks and a sacrifice fly on the afternoon, Atkins evened her season pitching record to 2-2 on the season with the nightcap victory.

Gail Wisher also had three hits and three RBIs in the second game, including a homer and a double, to jointly lead EMCC's 10-hit team effort. Byrd completed her day's work with two hits and two RBIs during each contest.

Head coach Mackenzie Byrd's EMCC Lions (10-8, 2-2 MACCC) are scheduled to begin a stretch of three consecutive home conference softball doubleheaders on Saturday (March 16) by playing host to sixth-ranked Jones College. Weather and field conditions permitting, Saturday's first pitch is slated for 1 p.m. at the EMCC Softball Field on the Scooba campus.