OCEAN SPRINGS — Gulfport got a close win over St. Martin 10-7 Friday night to advance to the second round of the Class 6A South State playoffs.
After a slow start to the game, the Yellow Jacket held a 1-0 lead after three innings. The Admirals’ offense came alive in the top of the fourth inning, scoring five runs on five hits to go up 5-1. This inning featured RBI singles from seniors Dawson Hall and Nate Edwards and a sacrifice fly from junior Ethan Suroweic.
St. Martin answered right back with a five-run inning of their own in the bottom of the fourth, taking back the lead at 6-5. Junior Lake Fincher knocked a two-RBI double in the inning while freshman Cameron Romero hit an RBI single, and sophomore Gavin Nitcavic brought in a run with a sacrifice fly.
Gulfport junior Ethan Garner tied the at 6-6 with an RBI single in the top of the sixth inning. The Admirals pulled ahead in the top of the seventh inning, scoring four runs to gain a 10-6 lead. Nate Edwards took the lead in the inning with an RBI single and Garner followed with another RBI single. Ethan Suroweic continued to extend their lead with a triple that brought in two runs.
The Jackets had a chance to take the lead in the bottom of the seventh as they loaded the bases. Freshman Kaden Walker worked a walk to bring in a run, but Gulfport held off St. Martin to win 10-7.
Gulfport advances with the win and will face Warren Central in the next round of the playoffs.
“Great win,” Admirals head coach Jamie McMahon said, “ We didn’t do a lot the first three innings… then we put up a five-spot, and we responded with a five-spot. It just became a pretty good game. We had that top of the seventh [where] we had some big two-out hits. Good job overall.”
“Good matchup with Warren Central,” he added, on advancing in the playoffs, “They’ve got a couple of good arms. I know the coach really well, they’re going to be well prepared. We’re just trying to move one game at a time and get hot at the right time.”
Prince Cottingham picked up the pitching win and Tristen Junert took the loss.
Gulfport won game one of the series Tuesday night 5-0 behind a no-hitter from Josh Lee.
The other Class 6A South State opening round series involving a pair of teams in the “Southern Six” also ended in a two game sweep, as Ocean Springs traveled to Lyman on Friday night and ended home-standing Harrison Central’s season with an 11-8 decision.
The Greyhounds, under the direction of first-year head coach Tommy Walker, cranked out 11 hits in the winning attack and were guided by Brock Cantrell’s game-high three hits including a RBI-double. Jack Jordan added a pair of hits and also drove in a game-high three runs, while McCarty English chipped in a pair of hits and to RBI’s as well. Senior standout Will Gray tallied two doubles for OSHS, and J.P. Ford recorded two hits as well including a double. Maddox Moreland drove in a pair of runs also.
Junior Tri Gaughf had a pair of hits including a two-run double for the Red Rebels. Gabe Colon also had two hits, while Jayden Cooper and Shaun Cochran also drove in a run a piece for HCHS.
Cantrell also picked up the pitching win, while Daniel Ruiz took the loss.
The Greyhounds, who won game one 12-2 on Tuesday at home, will remain on the road to open the second round of the playoffs as they head to Brandon Tuesday night.
