A Championship Night to Remember
In Poplarville, Mississippi, the Pearl River Community College baseball team etched a memorable chapter in junior college sports history as they clinched their second national championship in just four years. The championship game, held under the bright lights of the NJCAA tournament, pitted the Mississippi champions against the Arizona-based South Mountain squad, setting the stage for a contest that would swing back and forth until the final innings.
The match began with South Mountain drawing first blood, but the PRCC offense quickly found its rhythm. Jackson Estes delivered a powerful home run, while his teammate Jackson Bedoe added two solid hits that kept the momentum alive. Their timely hitting not only erased the early deficit but also shifted the pressure onto the opposing pitchers.
On the mound, Collin Jenkins delivered a masterclass, holding South Mountain scoreless through the top of the 11th inning. Complementing Jenkins, Landon Watts had already set the tone with nine strikeouts over six innings, allowing just one run on three hits. Their combined effort kept the game within reach and set the scene for a dramatic finish.
When the 11th inning arrived, the tension was palpable. Ethan Gardner stepped up to the plate and, with the bases loaded, launched a walk‑off RBI single that sent the crowd into a frenzy. The hit not only secured the championship but also underscored Gardner’s composure under pressure, sealing a victory that will be recounted for years.
Coach Michael Avalon, reflecting on the journey, praised the team’s resilience and unity. “This win is a testament to the character of these young men,” he said, highlighting how the squad’s collective spirit helped them overcome adversity and execute under the brightest stage.
The championship also marks a historic finish to the 2026 season, with Pearl River finishing as the top team in the NJCAA Division II rankings. The achievement has sparked celebrations across the campus and reinforced the program’s reputation as a powerhouse in junior college baseball.