Hinds sweeps Delgado in doubleheader 2-1 and 5-4

The No. 7 Hinds Community College Eagles swept the Delgado Community College Dolphins in a doubleheader Friday afternoon, Feb. 28, at Sports Force Parks in Vicksburg. The Eagles won the first game 2-1 in seven innings and won game two 5-4 in eight innings.

In game one, Hinds’ sophomore right-hander, Preston Johnson, was masterful as he went the distance to earn his second win of the season. The Mississippi State University signee pitched seven innings, allowed just one run on five hits and struck out 14 batters while walking none.

At the plate, Walker Burchfield, a Tulane University signee, came up clutch once again as he smashed an opposite-field, two-run home run to give Hinds a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the fourth. That score would stand as the Eagles collected their ninth straight victory.

In extra-innings in the bottom of the eighth inning in game two, freshman Vantrel Reed cracked a towering walk-off, solo home run to send Hinds home with a 5-4 victory. Reed’s walk-off concluded a stellar performance for him as he finished the game 3-for-4 at the plate with a single, double, home run, RBI and two runs scored.

At the plate, the Eagles scored five runs on 13 hits which included two home runs, two doubles, and a triple.

On the mound, Harrison Haley drew the start and pitched four innings while tallying six strikeouts. The Southeastern Louisiana University signee allowed just five hits and four runs.

The Eagles’ bullpen was excellent in relief as they combined to throw four shutout innings, allowed just two hits, and struck out six batters. Noah Magee was first in relief as he pitched two innings and struck out three. Matthew Taylor then threw one inning and collected one strikeout. Garrett Ramsey, a University of Southern Mississippi signee, earned his first win of the season as he threw a perfect eighth inning where he collected two strikeouts.

With its sweep of Delgado, Hinds is 10-0 overall to start the season.