Silliman Institute won the hard way. The Wildcats rebounded froma lopsided opening round loss to Brookhaven Academy and won twostraight games, clinching the Class AA South semifinals with a12-10 Thursday night victory over the host Cougars.

In a 3-hour and 15-minute marathon, the Wildcats overcame a 7-3,fourth-inning deficit to eliminate Brookhaven on a rain-soakedfield. Silliman (21-8) scored twice in the top of the seventh tobreak a 10-10 deadlock and secure a berth in the South finalsagainst powerful Central Private of Baker, La.

The Cougars (15-11), who beat Silliman 12-2 Monday night, wereunable to maintain their momentum. They lost an 11-8 Wednesdaynight decision at Clinton, La., on the Wildcats’ home turf.

“We didn’t swing the bats badly Monday night but we made someerrors,” said Silliman coach Edwin Reeves. “The last two nights wemade the plays and were fortunate enough to win. We made a wholelot of mistakes but we made the plays and won.

“We will have to play a whole lot better to have a chanceagainst Central Private.” The Rebels eliminated Vicksburg PortersChapel last night, winning 12-0.

Silliman relief pitcher Blair Reynolds delivered a bases-loaded,2-RBI double in the top of the seventh to secure the win. Reynolds,a senior right-hander, had relieved starter Jamie Rodgers in thefourth.

Jeremy James, the fourth pitcher used by BA coach StephenCooksey, brought the Cougars back into contention in the sixth withhis bat. His 2-run homer over the left field fence gained a 10-10deadlock.

The Cougars also got a 3-run homer from Seth Cliburn in thefourth. It put the Cougars up 5-3.

As a whole, BA’s four pitchers issued a total of 8 walks. Fourfielding errors also derailed their defense.

“Our kids never quit and that’s all I can ask of them,” said BAcoach Stephen Cooksey. “They have kept a great (playoff) traditiongoing out here. People have worked hard to provide us withoutstanding facilities, including a new dressing room.”

Cooksey loses four seniors to graduation, including 3 starters.Senior centerfielder T-Boy Lynch had 3 of BA’s hits, including adouble. Senior leftfielder Keith Franklin doubled and tripled.Senior Zach Watson, who pitched Monday’s win, started on the moundlast night and went 4 complete innings before running out ofgas.

Cliburn replaced Watson who didn’t allow a hit until the fourth.In the fifth, Silliman catcher Adam Elam led off with a toweringsolo homer over the center field fence. The Wildcats claimed an 8-7lead on a fielding error.

Corey Dickerson replaced Cliburn in the fifth but the Wildcatscontinued their rally, plating 6 runs and leading 9-7.