Nick Helmstetter made an impressive return to the mound Fridaynight on Moyer Field. In 4 innings, Helmstetter struck out 11batters and walked 2, leading the Brookhaven Panthers to a 7-3victory over the McComb Tigers.

In the nightcap, Ole Brook beat McComb 13-7.

On Saturday, the Panthers lost a 17-11 slugfest at Sumrall.

The Panthers (6-2, 3-0) visit Forest Hill for a division testTuesday at Forest Hill. The junior varsity game starts at 5 p.m.,followed by the varsity at 7.

Helmstetter an all-state senior who sustained a sprained ankle 2weeks ago, also hit an RBI triple. Chris Seals started on the moundin the fourth inning and gave up 6 hits, fanning none and walking2.

“Nick came in and shut them down,” said BHS coach RandySpring.

At the plate, second baseman Issac Jones had 2 hits and an RBIfor the Panthers. They finished with 10 hits, taking a 3-0 lead inthe bottom of the first and leading 7-3 in the third.

McComb was led by Landon Mavile, Kenny Artigues, Bradley Brock,Hunter McCullough, Zack Rowell and Trey Terrell who singled.

Rowell went 4 innings and was the losing pitcher.

Brook 13, McComb 7

Zach Halliwell started on the mound and got the win. In 4.1innings, he gave up 5 hits, fanned 6, walked 2 and gave up 6 runs,3 of them earned.

Seals walked 2 in 1 inning of relief. Helmstetter went 1.2innings, fanning 5 batters and walking 2 to notch the save.

At the plate, Elliott McKee, Bud Britt and Issac Jones had 2hits for the Panthers.

Sumrall 18, Brookhaven 11

The Bobcats (8-0), defending Class 3A state champions, areranked No 9 in Mississippi. They finished with 11 hits and 3 homeruns.

“Sumrall is pretty solid,” said Spring. “Both teams werethrowing young pitchers. It was an exciting game.

“We played hard in some cold, miserable weather,” Springcontinued. “I was proud of the effort.”

Home runs by Bud Britt and Zach Halliwell powered the Panthers.Britt’s was a solo shot and Halliwell had a 2-run homer.

Leftfielder Chad Guice paced Sumrall’s attack with 3 hits,including a homer.

Patrick Valentine started on the mound for BHS and was replacedby Dylan Newell in the fourth. J.D. Britt replaced Newell in thefifth and absorbed the setback.