In a battle between two MAIS powerhouses, the Centreville Academy Tigers escaped with a 5-2 victory over the host Brookhaven Academy Cougars Tuesday night in baseball action.

     The BA Cougars (4-4) resume action Thursday, visiting the Simpson Academy Cougars. Junior varsity begins at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity games at 7.

Centreville 5, Brookhaven Acad. 2

     Baseball fans gathered to witness this huge rivalry between two baseball powerhouses. In the first through the fourth innings, both schools lived up to the hype. The game remained scoreless to show off their talents as Major League Baseball scouts watched them.

     In the bottom of the fourth, BA’s Will Lucas was the first batter to break up the games no-hitter as he ripped a single. In the fifth, Centreville repaid the favor as they collected their first hit and later managed to push across the first run on a error.

     In the bottom of the sixth, the Cougars bounced back to claim their first lead at 2-1. Senior centerfielder Christian “Bubba” Keene smashed a two-run homer.

     In the seventh, Centreville managed to take advantage of BA’s walks and hit batters to push across the tying and winning runs. The Cougars mounted a rally in the bottom of seventh, but came up short.

     In the pitcher’s duel, Centreville’s left-handed ace Hunter Devall, an LSU signee, pitched six innings, giving up two runs on four hits. Devall collected 12 strikeouts and had no walks. Relief pitcher Corey Gaulden (2K, 0BB) tossed the win for the Tigers in the seventh inning.

     BA’s right-handed, sidearm starting pitcher Jacob Philipp absorbed the setback. Philipp pitched six innings, giving up five runs on three hits. He recorded seven strikeouts, two walks and two hit batters.

     Austin Travis (1K, 1BB) relieved Philipp in the seventh with the bases loaded.

     The Tigers (7-0) were led by singles from Cliff Hurst, Chance Humphreys and Ethan Noland.

     “Glad to get the win,” said Centreville coach Jason Horne. “Brookhaven has a very good team. I am very proud of the guys for fighting back and scratching out the runs needed to win.

     “I’m extremely proud of Gaulden to come in and shut the door in the seventh,” continued Horne. “This shows that we have a no-quit ball club.”

     Keene was the offensive leader for the Cougars with the two-run homer. Lucas contributed three singles. Hitting safely were Hunter Franklin and Matthew Evans.

     “Tonight showed everyone that we have the caliber team to go a long way,” said BA skipper Casey Edwards. “We just have to finish the games. Overall, I am proud of Jacob Philipp, he pitched six great innings and gave us a chance to win. It really hurts to give one away.”

     In JV action, Centreville shut out Brookhaven Academy 6-0.

     In Monday action, Brookhaven Academy blanked Simpson Academy 5-0.