JACKSON, Miss. – The Trinity offense scored 22 runs against the Majors in the two games of the series-opening double header, winning 12-6 and 10-1.
The Tigers (28-8, 14-5 SCAC) scored in every inning but the third in game one. The Majors (21-14, 9-8 SCAC), on the other hand, were held scoreless in the first five innings. Down 9-0 going into the bottom of the sixth, the Majors began mounting their comeback.
Drew Respess opened the inning with a single to short. Jake Mills followed with a single of his own past the second baseman into right. Josh Ordeneaux sent a ball deep into right, the Tiger fielder settled under it for the first out, but both Respess and Mills advanced. Stephen Gates scored the first run with a single to short that brought in Respess. Then, Jason Riggins got two more with a double to right and crossed the plate himself thanks to a Tiger error that put Will Elmore on base. Elmore came in for the fifth run of the inning on another error, this time on the shortstop.
With the lead cut to four, 9-5, the Tigers came up with three more in the top of the seventh to regain the momentum and take a commanding 12-5 lead into the Majors' final at-bat. Respess led the inning with a single to right field, moved to second on a wild pitch, stole third, and scored on a balk by the Tiger pitcher. Unfortunately, Josh Fink struck out three batters around the chaos to retire the side and set the final at 12-6.
In game two, the Tigers picked up where they left off, scoring 10 runs on twelve hits, including three home runs, to run away with game two 10-1.
The Majors' sole run of the second game came in the third inning. Trailing by two, Jeremy Aliff led the inning with a single to center and advanced when the centerfielder could not field the ball cleanly. He moved to third on a ground ball by Jules Roussel that set up Will Hawkins to drive him in with a sac fly to left.
Aaron Williams took the loss in game one in three innings, putting him at 5-2 on the season. He gave up eight hits and four walks in 22 batters faced. Will Elmore got the loss in game two, moving him to 2-3 on the season. He went 4.2 innings, allowing six hits walking three and striking out five.
With the wins, Trinity has clinched the West Division title. The Majors are now in a tie with the Hendrix College Warriors for second place. They will attempt to hold on to that position tomorrow in the series-finale with the Tigers. First pitch is slated for noon.
