RICHTON — The Richton Rebels swept the error-plagued WessonCobras in the MHSAA Class 2A South State semifinals series, winning9-2 Monday night. Jordan Cochran pitched the win. He fanned 9batters and walked none and scattered 5 hits. He also hit 1batter.

Pitcher Jonathan Grace, the only senior on Wesson’s team, fanned12 batters in the loss as his teammates committed 5 errors. Hewalked 8 batters.

“We played a bunch of close ballgames this season,” said Wessoncoach Hugh Knight. “We knew we had to play good defense against anoutstanding team like Richton.

“We couldn’t get over the hump last night,” he continued. “Wedidn’t get the big hit when we needed it,” leaving 7 runners onbase.

Trailing 4-1 in the sixth, the Cobras committed 3 errors and theRebels erupted for 5 runs to put the game out of doubt.

“Richton is one of the most talented teams I’ve ever seen,” saidKnight. “They don’t have any easy outs in their lineup. They putpressure on you.”

Knight said Richton sophomore Jacoby Jones was one of the bestpitchers he has seen in high school baseball.

Wesson finishes it season 19-10, winning the division title andmaking its deepest run in the state playoffs.

“Jonathan (Grace) did a good job for us and he carried theleadership load,” said Knight. “He was a valuable asset for us,pitching and hitting.

“Our young kids got a lot of good (playoff) experience,” Knightcontinued. “They got a taste of that success and they want somemore.”

Richton (22-6), the defending state champion, meets St. Andrew’sin the South State championship series. St. Andrew’s (26-10),runner-up to Wesson in the division race, eliminated St. Patrick ofGulfport Monday, winning 11-0.

In other area playoff action, Sumrall eliminated Franklin Countyfrom the Class 3A state playoffs, winning 17-0. Sumrall (28-6) hadlost the best-of-three series opener 3-0 to the Bulldogs at Budebefore winning 2 straight at Sumrall.

In MPSA action, Central Private edged Copiah Academy 4-3 atBaker, La., Monday night in the Class AA South State Championshipseries. The Rebels (29-2), defending state and overall champions,play at Copiah (17-12) Thursday night in Gallman. Game time is 6p.m.