It seems like every week a different player for Columbia steps into the forefront and showcases just how the Wildcats have transformed into a legitimate title contender.
Last week it was senior pitcher and second baseman Cole Pearson, who struck out 11 batters in a no-hitter to cap off a doubleheader sweep over Tylertown March 27. Pearson was not only dominant on the mound but at the plate as well, going 4-for-6 with three doubles and 4 RBI during the doubleheader.
Pearson has grown tremendously from his junior season in which he hit .197, had a 7.27 ERA and struck out just three batters in 8 2/3 innings. This season he has upped his batting average to .415, slashed his ERA down to an incredible 0.32 and fanned 34 batters in 20 1/3 innings. He is undoubtedly one of the main reasons the Wildcats have jumped from 9-17 in 2017 to 13-3 and 6-0 in district play in 2018.
The Wildcats, as a whole, made the doubleheader look as easy as Pearson did, blanking the Chiefs 11-0 in game one and 10-0 in game two.
In the first game Trey Hobgood launched a three-run homer, and Harrison Miller, Aiden Singley and Grady Lucas each had RBI knocks at the plate. Miller excelled on the bump as well, allowing just four hits in five scoreless innings and striking out five.
Alex Morgan lifted his first career home run high into the Columbia air to highlight the onslaught in the nightcap. Clayton Powell, Jonathan Turnage, Landon Sanders and Jace Smith each plated a run, and Javen Moses and Smith both had triples.
The Wildcats turned their attention to cross-county rival West Marion Tuesday and Thursday, but results were unavailable at press time. The two-game series will prove crucial in deciding the Region 8 champion, so The Columbian-Progress will provide extensive coverage in the Saturday edition.
Following the West Marion series Columbia will face Bogue Chitto on the road Friday night at 7 before a home-and-home with Seminary April 10 and April 13.
Head coach Greg Owen could not be reached for comment.
Pictured Above: Columbia's Alex Morgan crushes his first career home run against Tylertown. | Photo by Joshua Campbell
