Senior catcher Zach Smith’s grand slam home run sparked a 10-run explosion in the third inning as the Brookhaven Panthers hammered the McComb Tigers in a 12-2 victory Tuesday night in Region 6-5A baseball at Moyer Field.

     “Good win,” said BHS coach Randy Spring. “We played solid on offense and defense. McComb has been improving and they made us earn everything. Overall, I was pleased with the guys effort. They hit the ball well and played hard.”

     The Panthers (9-10, 5-2) resume action Friday. They visit Jackson to battle the Wingfield Falcons in another region test. Junior varsity  kicks off at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity at 7.

     The Tigers (5-12, 2-3), coached by former BHS basketball boss Ronald Hines, return home to host the Pearl Pirates  Friday. Junior varsity  begins at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity game at 7.

Brook 12, McComb 2

     The McComb Tigers came out strong in the game, wanting to avoid a season sweep by Brookhaven. Shortstop Adrian Brown set the tone for McComb with a solo home run as the Tigers led 1-0.

     In the bottom of the first inning, BHS answered by pushing one run  across to tie  the game.

     In the third inning, the Panther seized command with a 10-run scoring onslaught. BHS put together a  hitting clinic, which was led by Smith’s grand slam.

     In the fourth inning, the Tigers refused to give up and battled to extend the contest as they managed to push across one run and BHS led 11-2.

     In the bottom of the six, the Panthers managed to end the game on an 10-run rule after scoring the game-ending run.

     Senior Seth Porter (5-0) was the winning pitcher for Ole Brook with one strikeout and no walks. He allowed 5 hits.

     Henry McDonald suffered the loss for the Tigers with two strikeouts and six walks. Brown (1K, 0BB) pitched the last three innings in relief.

     Smith’s grand slam sparked Brookhaven’s offense. Landon McCullough and Andrew Culver fueled the flames with a pair of singles. Noah Rogers ripped a double. Hitting safely were Blaine Moak, Reed Jones, Peyton Clark and Porter.

     Adrian Brown was the offense leader for McComb with a home run and a triple. Jaterrious Wilson, Chrishawn Speight and Rachard Brown hit safely.

     “We are playing a lot better offensively and defensively,” said Coach Hines, who is in his first year at the helm. “We just lack pitching depth to compete.

     “Overall, the guys played hard. We are a young team and every game is a learning experience to help us get better. Brookhaven is a well-coached team and they hit the ball really well.”

    In JV action, Brookhaven and McComb finished in a 4-all tie to end the game.

     Garrett Smith led the Panthers at the plate with a triple. Brett Spring hit a single.