LIVINGSTON, Ala. — Mississippi College Choctaws softball dropped both games of a doubleheader to West Alabama Tigers on Thursday, falling 1-0 in a walk-off thriller in Game 1 before a 7-0 setback in Game 2 at University Field.
In the opener, a tightly contested pitcher's duel turned on late drama. Mississippi College appeared to take the lead in the top of the seventh inning when Hadley Lemons delivered what was initially ruled a go-ahead hit with two outs. However, after video review, the run was overturned due to a runner leaving first base early, keeping the game scoreless.
West Alabama capitalized moments later, as Kayla Morris led off the bottom of the seventh with a walk-off home run to left field, lifting the Tigers to the 1-0 victory.
Camryn Bailey (14-9) was strong in the circle for the Choctaws, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out 11 across eight innings. West Alabama's Eleanor De Block matched her effort, tossing a complete-game shutout with six strikeouts.
In Game 2, West Alabama carried the momentum into a decisive win. The Tigers struck for two runs in the second inning, added another in the third, and broke the game open with a four-run fifth inning highlighted by a grand slam from ShaKeria Washington.
Mississippi College managed six hits in the second game but could not push a run across. Reagan Rios (9-5) took the loss after allowing seven runs, six earned, over five innings.
The Choctaws (28-21-1, 18-14 GSC) will look to bounce back in the series finale against West Alabama (39-11-1, 24-8 GSC) on Friday morning. First pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m. in Livingston, Alabama.
