ARKADELPHIA, Ark. --- Mississippi College's Markarius Lee delivered the game-winning hit in the ninth inning and Payton Russell provided a complete-game shutout as the Choctaws (8-15) avenged an earlier setback to No. 16 Henderson State on Tuesday, March 15.
 
Lee stepped to the dish with one on and one down in the inning and delivered a triple to right field to plate the eventual winning run. The triple marked the second of the game for MC. Caleb Reese started off the inning with a single up the middle. The Bossier City, La., native advanced to second on a Cody Crifasi sacrifice bunt to set Lee's game-winner.
 
Russell (1-0) became the first MC pitcher to notch a complete-game shutout since Bryce Lewis on April 3 of last season against the University of West Georgia. Russell allowed just three hits in the performance as he struck out six. He's the first hurler with five-or-more strikeouts this season since Gavin LeBlanc fanned five in the midweek win against Arkansas Tech last week.
 
Lane Willis led the Navy and Gold with a pair of hits – both singles – as the team totaled five hits on the day. Jackson Breedlove added the fifth hit of the day as he recorded the second, extra-base knock.
 
Andrew Howard (0-2) took the loss on the bump for the Reddies. He tossed the final 1.2 frames and allowed two hits and struck out one in the decision. HSU starter Ethan Perry pitched the first frame with one hit allowed and a strikeout. Austin Cross recorded most of the time on the hill with 6.1 innings in relief and struck out three, walked three and gave up two hits.
 
Mississippi College returns to action on Friday, March 18 as it hosts Lee University in the first game of a three-game series. First pitch against the Flames is scheduled for 6 p.m.
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