By Myra Bean
North Delta senior right fielder Sam Copeland had struck out twice already, but the third time proved to be the charm Tuesday night as his single to right drove home the winning run.
Third baseman Hays Hudson had been hit three consecutive times while at bat and had made it to second on a stolen base.  He got to third on Hunter Baker’s single to left center field.
Everything came together for North Delta to win its second district game of the season over Winona 5-4.

It was also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity night for Dale and Angie Copeland, Sam’s parents. As Sam was being called to the plate, their oldest son Jim Tom Copeland was walking to the mound as the closing pitcher for East Central against Hinds.

The Copelands operate the concession stand at North Delta and were listening to East Central’s ballgame on Dale’s phone.

As Sam was credited with the winning RBI, Jim Tom got the save for ECCC.

“You are listening to one proud mama,” Angie said over the phone Wednesday. “I don’t know if this has ever happened before,” referring to two brothers in this situation over two and a half hours away from each other.

North Delta led 2-0 after the first inning. Nathan Herron drew a walk and scored on an error from the Winona shortstop. Chase Coker singled and came home on an Ethan Calvert single.
Winona got on base on a fielder’s choice and scored on a passed ball by North Delta.

They tied the scored and went ahead in top of the fourth. The first two leadoff batters reached first on errors. The first scored on a fielder’s choice RBI and the second a passed ball.

In bottom of the fifth, Hudson got on base being hit by a pitch the second time and made his way home on a Baker double. Cole Devazier pinch hit for Copeland and stroked a single driving home Calvert who singled and got to third on a passed ball.

Winona tied up the game in top of the seventh. The leadoff batter drew a walk and came home on a RBI double. Winona had the go ahead run at third, but focused defensive play from Hudson to first baseman Skyler Lawson was good for the third out.

Bailey Ross pitched the complete game in seven innings for the win. He had six strikeouts.
Wednesday, Doubleheader

The teams continued the series Wednesday night and split, giving North Delta the district series win.

In the first game, Winona won 10-4. Lawson got the start on the mound and got the loss.
Hudson hit his first homerun of the season, a three-run affair.
In the nightcap, the Green Wave roared back to take a 9-5 game.
Coker hit his second homerun of the season, a solo hit.
Tyler Beard pitched the complete game in seven innings and got the win.
The Green Wave finished the series with Indianola last night. The third game ended in the third inning due to rain.

They will play the series with Kirk Monday and Tuesday.

Monday, North Delta will travel to Grenada to take on Kirk at 4 and 6 p.m. Tuesday, they will play the doubleheader here to finish out the series at 4 and 6 p.m.

The Green Wave will end regular season play Friday at Carroll Academy with varsity at 4 and junior varsity at 6 p.m.