GALLMAN — Brookhaven Academy fans have seen pitching dominatethe last three games for the Cougars against the Copiah Colonels,so expectations were high as the Cougars met the Colonels Thursdaynight for the second game of a best of three series in the firstround of the Academy AA playoffs.

Brookhaven pitchers had thrown no hitters in the last twomeetings against the Colonels with Corey Dickerson recording thefirst in the game on April 19th. Zach Watson added the secondTuesday night.

Dickerson took the mound again Thursday trying to propel theCougars in to the second round against Silliman, La. Sillimandefeated Franklin, La. 8-7 last night in the second game of thebest of three series. Silliman whipped Franklin 10-2 Tuesday.

Dickerson gave up just one hit, while striking out five battersand walking 2 as the Cougars whipped the Colonels 8-0, givingBrookhaven a 2-0 sweep in the series.

Brookhaven scored its first two runs in the third inning, asSeth Cliburn and T-Boy Lynch singled before Keith Franklin drovethem in with a 1 out double. Kolby Byrd added a solo homerun overthe centerfield wall, giving the Cougars a 3-0 lead after fourinnings.

The Colonels were able to hang around until the sixth beforeBrookhaven exploded for 5 runs, capped off by a 2-run blast byDickerson. Dickerson went 1-2 with a homer and 2 RBIs. Franklin was2-4 with a double and a single and 2 RBIs. Byrd was 1-3 with ahomerun.

David Hobkirk had the lone hit for the Colonels in the fourthinning.

“They’re a good team peaking at the right time.” said CopiahCoach Scotty Cline. “They hit the ball well and made some gooddefensive plays. They did what it took to win.”

Matthew Wright took the loss for the Colonels. He gave up 8 runsand 7 hits, while striking out 5 batters and walking 2.

“We’re playing well right now.” said Brookhaven coach StephenCooksey. “We did what we needed to do and now we’ve just got to getready for next week.”