CLARKSDALE - CCC Baseball opened its spring 2016 schedule Friday with a doubleheader vs. Marion Military. The Diamond Tigers took an early lead in Game 1 before falling 7-2. Game 2 would be called in extra innings due to darkness.

CCC got a terrific start from LaTalo Newson in the first contest. The lefty from Senatobia struck out 5 while allowing just 2 hits in 4 2/3 innings of work. His offense gave him a lead in the 4th when RBI by Hayden Tapper (Desoto Central) and Zach Morris (Marion) made it 2-0.

CCC's luck ran out in the 5th though. Errors by the defense and a key 2-RBI double by Logan Taylor keyed a 5-run Marion inning against Newson, Garrett Short, and Tapper on the mound. The visitors would add 2 more in the 6th to run away with their first win of the season.

Dustin Allen took the hill in Game 2 for CCC. The sophomore righty (Walton) turned in the 2nd quality start of the day, striking out a half dozen for the game and facing just 13 batters through the first 4 innings. He carried a shutout into the sixth and, like Newson, enjoyed a 2-run advantage, this time thanks to RBI groundouts by Adam Cook and Landon Fullilove in the 4th and 5th. Once again though, Marion was able to rally though, notching 2 runs in the 6th to even the contest. Jackson Cofer picked up Marion's only RBI.

The squads remained tied after 7 and were able to squeeze in 1 extra inning before play was called due to darkness. They will reunite with a matchup at Marion on Feb. 26.

CCC is next in action tomorrow, February 9th at home vs. Arkansas Baptist. First pitch is scheduled for noon.

A live stream will be available through coahomasports.com.

For audio highlights of the doubleheader vs. Marion, click HERE. For photos from the games, click HERE.