BAKER, La. — Tripp Jolly tossed a 4-hitter and the BrookhavenAcademy Cougars beat Central Private’s Rebels 6-3 Monday. He struckout nine batters and walked six. Jolly also hit a 2-out, 3-runhomer in the seventh to secure the Class AA playoff victory.

The Cougars (24-6) host Central Private Thursday, starting at 4:30.”We have to win one and they have to win two,” said BA coach CaseyEdwards.

A third game, if necessary, would follow 30 minutes after theconclusion of the first game.

“Tripp had a little trouble finding the strike zone,” said Edwards.”That (homer) was huge for us. It was a back-breaker.”

Stephen O’Bryant, a senior right-hander, struck out 10 batters andwalked one in a 5-hit setback.

The Cougars collected five hits. Brent Henderson singled. BubbaKeene doubled and homered. Will Gatlin singled.

Keene hit a double and Gatlin received an intentional walk, settingthe stage for Jolly’s blast.

“We played good defense,” added Edwards. “We played a pretty cleangame after the first-inning error. Brent Henderson made anexcellent play on a ball in front of second base in the seventh. Hebobbled it but he spun and threw the runner out at first.”

Eighth grade catcher Landon Nettles drew his first startingassignment behind the plate for the Cougars. “Landon did a goodjob,” said Edwards. “He threw one runner out.”

Keene slugged a 2-run homer after Henderson hit a 2-out single inthe top of the first. “It was a first-pitch fastball, about 87miles per hour,” said Edwards. “That quieted the crowd.”