Poplarville, MS—The No. 2 seed East Central Warriors opened the Region 23 Tournament with a 4-3 loss in the 7 p.m. game against the 5th seed Meridian Community College. 

The Warriors stayed in it until the end, but Meridian CC Eagles 24 pulled away late in a 4-3 victory on Tuesday. The game was tied at three in the top of the eighth when Jacob Scott lined out, scoring one run.

Meridian got on the board in the top of the second inning after Scott singled, Brennon Wright hit into a fielder's choice, and Rhett Ketchum singled, each scoring one run.

East Central scored two runs in the bottom of the third on a deep home run to right field by Barret Rodgers.

Rodgers singled, which helped the Warriors tie the game at three in the bottom of the seventh.

Jacob Humbers earned the win for Meridian. The right-handed pitcher gave up one hit and one run over three innings, striking out two and walking four. Bryson Goff pitched five innings in relief for EC Warriors. The reliever surrendered four hits and one run (zero earned) while striking out three and walking none. Kamryn Carlisle took the loss for the Warriors. They went two-thirds of an inning, giving up zero runs on zero hits, striking out two and walking one. Marbin Lezcano led things off on the bump for EC Warriors. The right-handed pitcher gave up two hits and three runs over one and one-third innings, striking out none and walking two. Landon Waters stepped on the bump first for Meridian. The right-handed pitcher gave up six hits and two runs over six innings, striking out nine and walking three.

Rodgers drove the middle of the lineup, leading EC Warriors with three runs batted in. The 3-hole hitter went 2-for-5 on the day. Reid Hall led the EC Warriors with two walks. Overall, the team had a strong eye at the plate, amassing seven walks for the game. EC Warriors turned two double plays in the game.

Next, the Warriors will face the 6th seed Hinds Community College in the noon game tomorrow.