CLINTON – The No. 14-ranked Brookhaven Panthers participated inthe Clinton High School Baseball Jamboree Saturday at Arrow Field.Even though the Panthers dropped a pair of 4-inning varsitycontests to 6A powers Clinton (7-3) and Vicksburg (11-2), Ole Brookhead coach Randy Spring was optimistic about the 2011campaign.

“We played two good ballclubs today,” said Coach Spring. “We havesome things to work on, but we’re looking forward to theseason.”

Brookhaven opens the regular season Saturday at Moyer Field. ThePanthers will take on West Marion in a varsity only contest at12:30, followed by a JV/Varsity doubleheader against archrivalLawrence County.

Clinton 7, Brookhaven 3

The Panthers jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first.Leadoff hitter E.J. Henderson, J.D. Perkins and Gabe Wilson hitconsecutive singles. Henderson and Perkins would score on Arrowmiscues. Two batters later, Houston Case reached on a fielder’schoice and would later score on the third Clinton error of theinning.

Clinton, coached by Eddie Lofton, tied the game at 3-all in thebottom of the first, highlighted by a 2-RBI single from GradyTurman. The Arrows added 4 runs in the second, behind a 2-run homerfrom Kyle Washington.

Starting pitcher Dillon Newell suffered the loss for Brookhaven,with Case and Seth Porter each making a relief appearance. JamieButler authored the win for Clinton.

Vicksburg 11, Brookhaven 2

The Gators sent 17 batters to the plate in the first 2 innings;plating 9 runs off of 3 Panther errors. Vicksburg, coached byFranklin County product Cody Zumbro, added 2 runs in thethird.

Cody Wadell picked up the win for the Gators, while Porter took theloss for the Panthers.