LIVINGSTON, Ala. --- MC baseball dropped both games of its Gulf South Conference opener against West Alabama on Friday, Feb. 13, losing 7-5 in the first game and 4-2 in the second. The Choctaws (4-6, 0-2 GSC) showcased moments of offensive power but were unable to overcome early leads established by the Tigers.
 
In the first game, the Choctaw offense was highlighted by two home runs, including a solo effort from Tyler Sanderson, who paced the squad with multiple hits and an RBI. JT Thigpen also contributed with a pair of hits, a double, and a solo homer, driving in one run, while Will Langston added an extra-base hit with a double and scored a run. Caleb Peterson (0-2) allowed four earned runs on six hits, striking out a season-high seven and walking three.
 
UWA held a 4-0 lead through four frames before a Creek Robertson RBI-single scored Langston to put the Choctaws on the board. Sanderson cut the lead in half with his solo home run in the sixth. However, UWA responded with two runs in the bottom of the sixth. The Blue and Gold kept the pressure on, scoring on a bases-loaded walk and a hit-by-pitch, which allowed Thigpen and Kelby Jordan to cross the dish. Thigpen's solo home run in the eighth narrowed the margin to one run, but the Tigers added another run in the home half of the inning to secure their victory.
 
In the second game, Nick Slonaker recorded both of MC's runs with a two-RBI home run, marking the only extra-base hit in the game. The Choctaws managed five hits overall, but it was not enough against UWA's strong start. Cooper Cooksey (0-1) pitched a complete game, striking out seven batters over six innings, allowing five hits and two walks.
 
UWA took control in the fourth inning, capitalizing on a hit by pitch and an error to set the stage for Tanner Jones, who delivered a two-run single, propelling the home team to a 3-0 advantage. Despite having opportunities, including a promising second inning where Langston singled and Thigpen walked, MC struggled to respond until the seventh inning. Slonaker's two-run homer, following a walk to pinch-hitter Gavin Baxter, provided a spark but was ultimately too late to bridge the gap.
 
The Blue and Gold mounted a late rally in the final inning, but it concluded with a ground out, leaving them unable to overcome the early deficit.
 
The two teams conclude the weekend series on Saturday, Feb. 14. First pitch is at 1 p.m.
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