D’IBERVILLE, Miss. (WLBT) – Northwest Rankin defeated D’Iberville 12-6 in nine innings to advance to the 7A South State Championship.

Cougars jump ahead early

Northwest Rankin took a 1-0 lead into the second inning.

With one on, Jaliya Sullivan hammered one to the deepest part of the yard, sending it over the center field wall for a two-run blast. Northwest Rankin extended its early lead to 3-0.

D’Iberville answered in the bottom of the frame. With a runner on first, Annah Niceley lined one over the right-center field wall in a hurry. The Warriors cut the deficit to 3-2.

Northwest Rankin added to its lead in the fifth. With two runners in scoring position, Peyton Barham delivered. The Cougars took a 5-2 lead.

Warriors force extras with grand slam

Northwest Rankin led 6-2 in the bottom of the seventh. D’Iberville had one last chance.

Niceley stepped to the plate and launched a game-tying grand slam to send the game to extra innings at 6-6.

Hayes delivers in the ninth

The game stayed tied at 6 until the ninth inning. Payton Hayes put the nail in the coffin, sending a three-run shot into the D’Iberville night.

Northwest Rankin punches its ticket to South State with the victory, and will face the winner of the Ocean Springs vs. St. Martin second round series.

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