by Hunter Dawkins, Publisher/Owner – editor@thegazebogazette.com or hdawkins@supertalk.fm
PASS CHRISTIAN (GG) — Friday evening, April 18, not one but two Pass Christian teams beat Mendenhall High School from the diamond to advance in the 2025 MHSAA Playoffs at Philip Terrell Complex. After the Pass Christian boys baseball team easily mercy ruled Mendenhall 12-1 for the second game in a row, the Lady Pirates softball team scored on a walk-off single to win 5-4 over the Lady Tigers as both teams advanced to the second round in the 4A playoffs.
SOFTBALL: PASS CHRISTIAN 5 MENDENHALL 4
Coming down to the wire, the Lady Pirates (17-9) rallied to grab a 5-4 victory in walk-off fashion over the Mendenhall Lady Tigers. The game was tied at four in the bottom of the eighth inning when Pass Christian second baseman Makinlee Allen singled in Centerfielder Emma Purchner for the win.
“It was a great, hard-nosed win. Mendenhall showed up to play and put pressure on us,” said Pass Christian Head Softball Coach D.J. Elkins. “It was an ugly win, but all wins are good wins. I’m really proud of our girls.”
No scoring until the third inning with Lady Pirates catcher Mia Lacy walking the bases loaded bringing home shortstop Olivia Saucier for a 1-0 lead.
After Mendenall blasted a 2-run home run in the top of the fourth inning, Pass Christian Outfielder Kayden Scheid hit into a fielder’s choice followed by Lacy’s double, both bringing runs in for a 3-2 lead.
The Lady Tigers answered with another 2-run home run, this time inside the park to take over 4-3. However, the Lady Pirates rallied to extra innings after Bristol Jones knocked in a run on a fielder’s choice.
Although, Jones pitched 5 1/3 innings and tallied 9 strikeouts, Trista Necaise earned the win finishing the final 2 2/3 innings allowing one hit.
Purchner led the Lady Pirates with 3 hits, but Lacy & Saucier each had multiple hits. Additionally, Purchner, Lacy, & Allen reached base three times and the catcher had two RBI’s.
The second round has been scheduled for Thursday, April 24 as Pass Christian will host the Lawrence County Cougars at 6pm from the Philip Terrell Complex.
BASEBALL: PASS CHRISTIAN 12 MENDENHALL 1
One difference Friday night was the game on the other side was over before it started. Pass Christian (11-15) went on an early assault, scoring 6 runs in the first inning followed by 6 more in the third to put up the mercy rule after 5 innings and a 12-1 win over the Mendenhall Tigers. Following the 10-0 shutout Thursday, the Pirates advance to the second round of the MHSAA Playoffs.
“Great team win tonight. The offense carried us early until Aiden was able to settle in,” said Pass Christian Head Baseball Coach Ricky Smith. “We are playing with a lot of confidence right now and it has been fun to watch.”
The Pirates not only finished with 12 runs, but 12 hits, and 6 walks. Centerfielder Stephen Tinsley led Pass Christian in hits, going 3-3 with two doubles and 2 RBIs. First Baseman Brendan Necaise and Pitcher Aiden Mitchell each had three RBIs.
Mitchell earned the win, tossing 4 innings with 4 strikeouts while allowing only one unearned run and a walk.
Pass Christian will play the winner of the Lawrence County/Columbia series.
