CLINTON, MS - The Mississippi College baseball team blew open a close game with nine runs in the sixth inning to defeat Mary Hardin-Baylor, 19-4, on Friday night at Frierson Field.

The Cru (1-6) gained a 3-1 lead through the top of the fourth inning after a Seth Lynn single scored Seth Mogavero.

The Choctaws (3-3) knotted the game in the bottom of the inning on a bases loaded walk by senior Andy Smith that scored junior Mike Kerdock.

MC took advantage of two UMHB errors in the fifth inning to score four runs and take a 7-3 advantage.  Ricky Brenek drew a bases loaded walk to score Derek Draeger in the top of the sixth to cut the lead to just three runs.

The Choctaws scored nine runs in the sixth inning, aided by six hits to put the game away.  J'Marcus Brooks doubled to left field to drive in two runs, and Taylor Cloyd hit a three-run home run to highlight the inning.

MC tallied 18 hits and took advantage of four Cru errors to score their 19 runs.  Sophomore Kyle Ladner went 4-5 with three runs scored in his first start of the season.

Senior Stuart Magee and juniors Spencer Brunson and Mike Kerdock each recorded three hits in the ball game.  Brooks, Smith, Magee, and senior Shane Bennett tallied two RBI in the victory.

Junior Stephen Byrd (1-0) allowed six hits and three earned runs to pick up his first victory of the season.

Cameron Graham (0-1) took the loss for UMHB, giving up eight hits and five earned runs over 4.1 innings.

The Choctaws and the Cru will play a doubleheader beginning at 12:00 p.m. tomorrow at Frierson Field.