Pearl River Central’s baseball squad has turned a brush with elimination into a shot at the 2026 MHSAA 6A State Championship, setting up a best‑of‑three showdown with the defending champions from Saltillo.
A Coach's Vision
Head Coach Buddy Turnage repeatedly stresses the importance of staying present, reminding his players to focus on the next pitch rather than the opponent or the stakes.
The championship series begins on Tuesday, May 19 at 1 p.m., and the team will meet Saltillo in a best‑of‑three format, a challenge that the players meet with confidence.
A Family on the Diamond
Off the field, the players describe themselves as a family, sharing meals, workouts and moments of laughter that have forged a bond stronger than any scoreboard.
For each athlete, a state title represents more than a trophy; it is personal validation, a tribute to families, and a rallying point for a community that has supported them through thick and thin.
The first game is scheduled for May 19 at 1 p.m., a moment the town will watch with anticipation as the team aims to bring the championship home.