NATCHEZ – The Brookhaven Academy Cougars traveled to the River City of Natchez to face their first district opponent of the 2015 season in the ACCS Rebels.

Behind a signature pitching performance by senior Zach Dickerson, solid defense and timely hitting by the Cougars, BA picked up the 8-3 conference victory over the Rebels.

The Cougars plated two runs in the top of the first inning only to see ACCS answer and tie the game in the third. BA regained the lead in the fifth with a single run and expanded their lead with four in the sixth and an insurance run in the seventh to seal the win. Dickerson worked out of a bases loaded jam in the Rebels’ final at bat to cap off a productive night on the mound.

Sophomore Madison Smith led the BA hitting attack with a double and a single. Alex Smith, Bryce White, Heath Hickman, and JP Jackson each hit safely adding to the Cougar output. Hickman had two RBI’s on the evening.

Dickerson struck out nine and gave up only four hits to the Rebels to pick up the win for the Cougars. Wade Simpson absorbed the loss for ACCS.

The Cougars and Rebels square off again Friday night to complete the district series. JV first pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Harold Williams Ballpark in Brookhaven.

In Junior Varsity action,  the ACCS JV Rebels rallied for three runs in the final frame to edge the Cougars 7-4.

Jaden Clark, Fisher Warren, Taylor Freeny and Chase Freeman had a single apiece for the Cougars. Warren absorbed the loss in his pitching assignment for BA giving up one hit and striking out four Rebel batters.