C3D1: NMCC cruises by Malden

MALDEN, Mo. — Brady Swims and JG Harris combined for a no-hitter in New Madrid County Central's 11-0 mercy-rule victory over Malden in the opening round of the MSHSAA Class 3, District 1 Tournament on Friday, May 10.

“Our pitchers worked ahead of every hitter and we pounded the strike zone,” said NMCC coach Jordan Kimball. “We were aggressive in the zone at the plate and took advantage of a few mistakes.”

The Eagles (4-17) jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, exploding for eight runs in the bottom of the first inning.

Ayden McCanless started the offensive onslaught with a two-RBI single, followed by a run-scoring single from Ty Williams and a bases-loaded hit by pitch. JG Harris contributed a two-RBI single, and BJ Waters capped off the first inning with a thrilling inside-the-park home run, driving in two more runs.

NMCC continued its relentless attack in the second inning, with McCanless stealing home to make it 9-0.

In the third, Waters added another run, scoring on a throw.

The final run of the game came in the fourth when McFerren singled to score McCanless, securing the 11-0 victory.

While the Eagles' offense was impressive, it was their pitching that stole the show. Swims earned the win with three innings of no-hit ball, striking out eight batters. Harris closed out the game with two hitless innings, adding six more strikeouts to complete the combined no-hitter.

NMCC will face East Prairie (17-9) in a semifinal matchup on Monday, May 13 at 2 p.m.

__NMCC 11, MALDEN 0, F/5__

Malden 000 00x x — 0 0 0

NMCC 811 2xx x — 12 9 3

W—Brady Swims. L—Jonathan Stewart. HR—NMCC: BJ Waters.