RAYMOND — The Co-Lin Wolves were within one run of a tie butcouldn’t produce the hits and fell to the Hinds Eagles 10-9 in theopening round of the MACJC Region 23 Division II South Tournamentat Hinds Community College.

The tournament is played under a double-elimination format.

In the other first-round game, LSU-Eunice nipped state championPearl River 3-2.

Today’s games features unbeaten Hinds (19-21) facing LSU-Eunice(41-10) at noon. Co-Lin (30-17) squares off against Pearl River(42-8) in the losers bracket at 3 p.m. The loser of theHinds-Eunice game meets the winner of the Co-Lin-Pearl Rivercontest at 6.

‘We didn’t play very good at all,” said Co-Lin head baseballcoach Keith Case. “We came out and stayed close but we weren’t realsharp.”

Going into the ninth inning, the Wolves trailed the Eagles 10-7.Patrick Williams doubled. Justin Sykes singled to score Williams.Sykes stole second base on a wild pitch. Jeffrey Waycaster singledto score Sykes with 2 out and cut the deficit to 1 run before thefinal out was made to the end the game.

“We have to make some corrections,” stated Case. “If we want tocontinue, we have to do something different today.”

Posting the win was Kyle Bridges (7-5 ) in 6 2/3 innings with 6runs allowed on 8 hits, 5 strikeouts and 1 walk . Brian Barlowworked the next 1 1/3 innings with 2 runs allowed on 4 hits. JoshJordan got the save in the final inning with 1 run allowed on 2hits.

Tyler Perrett (7-3) was the losing hurler, working 4 1/2 inningswith 8 runs allowed on 11 hits, 1 strikeout and 2 walks. BoyceeVarnes took over for the final 3 2/3 innings with 3 strikeouts, 1walk and 2 runs allowed on 3 hits.

“It was a tough game,” explained Case. “Tyler went out anddidn’t have the stuff. He tried to pitch through it. Boycee came inand we didn’t make some defensive plays.”

The Wolves led 2-0 in the top of the second but the Eagles cameback with 5 big runs in the bottom to take the 5-2 lead. Hindspushed its lead to 8-2 with 3 runs in the fifth inning.

“We had a chance to get out of it (2nd inning) and we didn’t,”said Case. “We put the ball in play. Hinds took advantage of whatthey had.”

For the Wolves, sophomore Cole Zumbro led with a home run and 2doubles. Waycaster added a double. Sykes homered. Ripping a pair ofsingles were Keeyon Sanders and Deigo Nucete. Casey Ginn and AaronGuillot singled.

Chris Posey powered Hinds with a double and 3 singles. RaphaelWard smashed 3 singles. Chase Dorsey finished with 2 singles.

“If we want to continue, we have to play well today,” addedCase. ” If we don’t, then the season is over.”