WESSON – The defending class AA State champion BrookhavenAcademy Cougars opened their 2011 baseball season with a win asthey cruised past the Starkville Academy Volunteers 7-4 Tuesdaynight in baseball action at Sullivan Field on the Co-Lincampus.

“We are glad to get the win,” said Brookhaven Academy coach CaseyEdwards. “We still have a lot of things to work on before we playagain.”

The Cougars (1-0) will resume action Saturday hosting their firsthome game against the Jackson Prep Patriots at 1 p.m.

Brookhaven 7, Starkville 4

Junior Christian (Bubba) Keene was the leader for the Cougars as hesmashed a three-run home run straight over the scoreboard, thatcleared it by about 5-feet, in the first inning. He also collecteda single for the game.

Teammate Hunter McCullough was the winning pitcher with 8strikeouts and 3 walks. He also belted a double and a single. Keenewas the relief pitcher and picked up the save with 5 strikeouts and1 walk.

Hitting safely for the Cougars were Will Lucas, Austin Travis andLandon Nettles.

Ian Tharp was the losing pitcher for the Starkville Volunteers(0-1) with 3 strikeouts and 2 walks.

Stephen Robertson was the offensive sparkplug for the Vols with atriple and a single. Colby Runnels hit a double. The Vols receivedsingles from Hunter Bolin, Drew Pellum and Kirby Cox.

“We were really flat today,” said Starkville Academy coach NealHenry. “We started to settle down after the first two innings andplayed the type of ball we are capable of. Brookhaven has a verygood team and I expect them to do well this season.”

The Cougars took a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Theyplated 3 more runs in the second. They led 7-2 after 4 frames.