Rodgers and the Rangers to play in World Series

By Brett Brown
NWCC Sports Information

The Northwest Mississippi Community College Ranger baseball team, which includes infielder Jameson Rodgers of Batesville, claimed their third Region XXIII Division II championship by defeating the Itawamba Indians 13-0 in the finals of the region tournament May 18 at Meridian.

Northwest, which improved to 38-15 overall, now advances to the NJCAA Division II World Series at USA Stadium in Millington, Tenn. The Rangers are making their third appearance in the World Series . Northwest placed second in 1996 and fifth in 1997.

The Rangers open the event by taking on Frederick Community College of Maryland Saturday, May 26 at noon.

Northwest used two home runs from sophomore first baseman Chad Cregar of Oxford to knock off Itawamba. Cregar hit a three-run homer in the first inning, then added a two-run shot in the second.

Freshman shortstop Taylor Walker of Senatobia and freshman catcher Rick Russell of Horn Lake also chipped in with three hits each.

Ranger freshman pitcher Josh Ross of Southaven threw the first eight innings and improved his record to 5-3.  Ross tossed the first eight innings and struck out eight.

Ranger freshman infielder Jameson Rodgers of Batesville said the team is as excited as it can get about going to the World Series.

“We are excited,” Rodgers said. “We had a real good year.”

Rodgers said playing at college level is a “different atmosphere” than playing high school baseball.

He described Ranger head coach Mark Carson as an “awesome guy.”

“I couldn’t ask for anyone better,” Rodgers added.

The Frederick Cougars, 32-10 overall, clinched their fourth trip to the World Series by claiming the Region XX crown. Frederick participated in the event in 1998, 2001, and 2002. The Cougars were runners-up in 2002.

 For NJCAA Division II World Series information, go to: www.usabaseballstadium.org/

Live radio coverage will be provided by WQLJ FM 93.7.