Blake Mcilwain pitched the first no-hitter for Mississippi College in five years. Mississippi College photo by Aaron Boetsma

Senior Blake Mcilwain tossed Mississippi College baseball's first no-hitter since 2009 in a 2-0 victory over Louisiana College on Saturday afternoon at Allgood Field. The Wildcats bounced back for a 3-2 win in the series finale to split the twin-bill.

Mcilwain (5-1) struck out seven as he became the first pitcher since Tyler Seaman in 2009 to throw a no-hitter for the Choctaws (15-14, 13-11 ASC). In that season, Seaman threw two no-hitters, recording one against Louisiana College and Ozarks (AR). Mcilwain pitched out of trouble in the game, however, as LC drew seven walks and a hit-by-pitch to go along with two MC errors.

The Choctaws got the only run they needed in the fifth inning as senior Zach Evans hit his second home run in as many weeks, a solo shot to open the frame. Senior Chris Casto singled home Hunter Bolin in the sixth inning for an insurance run for Mcilwain and the defense.

The Wildcats put up a big threat in their half of the sixth, loading the bases with no outs, but Mcilwain fought back for two strikeouts and a flyout to end the frame. In the seventh, the leadoff hitter reached base on an error for LC, but a double play erased the threat, and Mcilwain completed the shutout.

Madison Lachney (4-5) took the loss for the Wildcats, allowing five hits and one earned run over 7.0 innings pitched.

In the second game, the Choctaws wasted no time getting on the board as senior Kyle Blount doubled to open the game and came in to score on a single by junior Marty Stringfellow. The Wildcats would answer back, however, with two runs on an RBI single and a sacrifice fly to take a 2-1 lead.

The game stayed at a one-run advantage until the sixth inning when senior Spencer Wilson tallied one of his two hits in the game, driving in freshman Chris Welch, who had pinch-run in the inning. The Wildcats again answered in their half of the frame as they used the help of an MC error to take the lead back, 3-2.

The Choctaws got runners in scoring position in the seventh and eighth innings, but the Wildcats were able to keep MC from scoring and earn the series win with the victory.

Jayme Monroe (3-5) took the loss for MC, giving up just four hits and two earned runs over 5.0 innings. Senior Blake Roberts pitched the final three innings for MC, allowing just one base runner on a walk. Brand Bignar picked up the win for LC, going 7.0 innings and giving up just one earned run.

The Choctaws will be back in action next weekend when they host Howard Payne for a three-game series at Frierson Field. The first game will be Thursday night at 6:00 pm, followed by a doubleheader Friday at noon.