CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Mississippi College continued its red-hot stretch in Gulf South Conference play, sweeping Friday's doubleheader against Lee University to extend its winning streak to 10 games. The Choctaws (17-8, 10-4 GSC) took the first game 9-1 before closing out the night with a 6-3 victory at Larry Carpenter Stadium. With the series win secured, MC will go for the sweep in Saturday's finale at 11 a.m. CST.
In game one, the Choctaws set the tone early, capitalizing on timely hitting and strong pitching. Korey Cooper got MC on the board with an RBI groundout in the first inning before delivering a three-run home run in the third to extend the lead to 4-0. Bryce Capobianco broke the game open with a three-run double in the seventh, followed by RBI hits from Tyler Jacobsen and Bryce LaRocca.
Cooper led the offense with a stellar performance, going 2-for-5 with four RBIs, including the three-run home run in the third inning. Capobianco also had a big day at the plate, finishing 2-for-3 with a three-run double in the seventh. Jacobsen and LaRocca each added an RBI to help secure the win. On the bases, Jordan Evans drew four walks and swiped two stolen bases, while Banks Hyde and JT Vance each added a stolen base of their own.
On the mound, Holland Townes was dominant, throwing seven scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and striking out eight. Dylan Cope finished the game, pitching the final two innings and allowing one run on three hits.
MC battled through a competitive second game, taking control with a three-run fifth inning and holding off a late push from Lee. The Choctaws fell behind early after the Flames plated a run in the second, but Capobianco's two-run double in the third put MC on top.
In the fifth, JT Vance lifted a sacrifice fly to center to score Bryce LaRocca, and Capobianco followed with an RBI single. Blaise Breerwood capped the frame with a bases-loaded walk, giving MC a 5-1 advantage. Lee cut the deficit to 5-3 with runs in the fifth and sixth, but Banks Hyde added an insurance run in the seventh, scoring on a wild pitch.
Capobianco continued his strong day, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs, including the two-run double in the third. Korey Cooper chipped in with a pair of hits and scored twice in the win.
Blake Gollott (4-0) earned the win after allowing just one run on three hits in four innings. Gabe Garner worked the next two frames before Coby Gollott secured his second save of the season with a scoreless seventh.
Mississippi College will look to complete the series sweep on Saturday at 11 a.m. CST at Larry Carpenter Stadium.
