North Pike defeated the Brookhaven Panthers 7-3 Tuesday night,spoiling their home field debut on Moyer Field. The Jaguarscapitalized on extra-base hits in the 5-inning game.

The Brookhaven Invitational continues Friday at 3:30 p.m. withLawrence County facing McComb. Wesson meets North Pike at 5:45,followed by BHS (1-2) versus Franklin County at 8.

On Saturday, tournament play begins at 10 a.m., with Brookhavenmeeting Lawrence County. McComb meets Franklin County at 12:15 andNorth Pike plays Franklin County at 2:30. BHS plays Wesson at4:45.

In a pregame ceremony last night, retiring Superintendent ofBrookhaven Public Schools Lea Barrett and assistant superintendentJames Tillman were recognized for their support and contribution tothe athletic program. New superintendent Dr. Lisa Karmacharya alsowas recognized. Barrett and Karmacharya threw out the ceremonialfirst pitch.

Winning pitcher Revis Butler went 3.2 innings. He gave up 2 runs, 5hits, walked 5 and struck out 3. The talented athlete wasrecognized as The DAILY LEADER’s MVP on the 2010 All-Area FootballTeam, quarterbacking the Jaguars to the Class 4A state championshipgame against Lafayette County.

Will Richardson (0 K, 2 BB) got the save. He gave up 1 run and 1hit.

Senior right-hander J.D. Britt gave up 7 earned runs on 8 hits. Hefanned 3 batters and walked 2 in a losing effort.

North Pike showcased its offensive power last night.

Third baseman Cody Timmons doubled and singled for the Jaguars.Dusty Brock hit an RBI double and Butler hit a 2-RBI double.Kendrick Hodges added a 2-run triple.

Richardson hit a 2-run, bloop triple down the right field line inthe second as the Jaguars took a 3-1 lead.

“J.D. didn’t pitch badly,” said BHS coach Randy

Spring. “We only made one error. We had two sophomores filling infor injured players. Seth Porter started in left field and got onbase three times. Genoa Sartin started at third base and battled atthe plate,” said Spring.

BHS starters Scottie Peavey (strained muscle), Dillon Newell(bruised shoulder) and Andrew Culver (knee) are sidelined byinjuries.

“Three of our top four pitchers are unavailable right now,” Springnoted.

The game ended with BHS leaving the bases loaded. “We hit the ballhard but right at people,” said Spring.