Brandt Hinton’s strong right arm has been instrumental inBelhaven University’s outstanding baseball campaign. The lankysenior from Brookhaven has compiled a perfect 10-0 record, helpinglead the Blazers to a 36-13 worksheet and a Gulf Coast AthleticConference-leading 23-7 mark.

“Brandt has done a tremendous job for us,” said Belhaven head coachHill Denson. “He’s our Friday starter. We count on him as our No.1.”

Hinton’s statistics top Belhaven’s charts. In 90.2 innings, he hasaccounted for 47 strikeouts and 15 bases on balls, compiling a 2.28ERA. Standing 6-floot-5 and weighing 205 pounds, Hinton is afinesse pitcher. Denson said Hinton has reached the low 90s withhis fastball but he’s usually in low 80s.

“Brandt can hit 87 (mph) once in a while,” said Denson. “Where hespots it is the big key. He has movement on the ball. He has aslider, a curveball and changeup which is mighty good. He keeps thebatters off balance.”

Denson said Hinton’s worst outing of the season was last Fridaywhen the Blazers played William Carey University. “He struggled buthe won the game 8-7. That shows what kind of pitcher he is. Hedidn’t have the quality stuff but he worked his way throughit.”

Off the field, Hinton is strong in the classroom and a qualitycitizen, too.

“Brandt’s one of those guys who is top shelf; no dust,” saidDenson. “He’s a good person and a good pitcher.”

Hinton starred for the Brookhaven Panthers and was recognized asMVP and Mr. Baseball in Lincoln County his senior year at BHS. Hehad two solid years at Co-Lin, playing for Coach Keith Case.

Hinton’s senior college career got off to a rocky start but hepersevered. Denson recalled Hinton’s Belhaven debut last yearagainst Springhill College. “It was the first game of the yearafter Co-Lin. Brandt got absolutely bombed. They were hitting himall over the field. They had about six hits before we got somebodyin the bullpen warming up. It took him a little time toadjust.”

Denson said Hinton is cerebral pitcher. “On the mound, the mainthing is that he’s smart. He changes speed and he can move the ballaround.”

Metal bats pinged loudly at Smith-Wills Stadium as Hinton sat inthe dugout and answered questions. Denson blew his whistle everyfew minutes as the players worked through a series of drills.

Hinton credits his success to diligent practice. “I work hard everyday. I have good teammates and good coaches.”

Asked about his pitching skills this season, Hinton said, “We havetried to improve each pitch.”

He is majoring in business, with a minor in finance.

When asked to select his best game this season, Hinton said, “TheLSU-Shreveport was one of the tougher games.”

It was played at Smith-Wills. The Blazers won 2-1 in the bottom ofthe ninth. The Captains won the remaining games of the series. ColeNewell, a former BHS teammate, pitches for the Captains.

Denson’s No. 1 assistant and associate head coach is Wessonnative Clay Smith. He was with Denson for two years at SouthernMiss.

“Clay does most of the work in practice and he’s our toprecruiter,” said Denson. “I just sit back and watch.”

Hinton said Smith has provided him with plenty of support. “CoachSmith is a real big influence. He works with individuals, whereverthe need is.”

What Belhaven needs the most right now is a sweep of this weekend’s3-game series at Loyola University in New Orleans. The Blazers owna narrow half-game lead over LSU-Shreveport in the GCAC race.

“We can’t afford to give up a loss this weekend,” said Denson.Belhaven hosts GCAC Tournament, starting next Wednesday atSmith-Wills. Whoever wins regular season, has an opening roundbye.

Looking ahead, the Blazers are ranked No. 11 in the latest NAIAPoll. Denson said Belhaven has made a bid to host the first roundregional of the national tournament.

Asked about his team’s success, Denson said, “We have been kind ofsurprising. We are a good hitting team, about .336 (battingaverage) as a team. Our pitching has not been satisfactory.”

Certainly, Hinton has been a pitcher who makes Denson smile withsatisfaction.

Brookhaven Academy quarterback Chandler Rogers is fresh from anexceptional performance in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The 6-foot-3,200-pounder sparkled for the Mississippi team in a 7-on-7 regionaltournament that was held at the Crimson Tide’s indoor practicefacility due to stormy weather.

Rogers received a phone call last week and was asked to participatein the competition with a group of standouts from the MagnoliaState.

Rogers and his teammates went 2-2 in Saturday’s opening round poolbut regrouped to beat Texas and Alabama on Sunday, setting up atitle game against Tennessee. The Magnolia Stators won that one ona last-play TD pass from Rogers to Chelarvez Brown.

The team qualified for the National Tournament that will be heldthe July 4th weekend in Tuscaloosa.

Write to sports editor Tom Goetz, c/o The DAILY LEADER, P.O. BOX551, Brookhaven, MS 39602 or e-mail sports@dailyleader.com