GALLMAN – Scotty Reese struck out 10 batters and Russ Singletonhit a 2-run homer in leading the Copiah Academy Colonels to an 8-3Monday night victory over the Natchez Trinity Saints in the MPSAClass AA State Baseball Playoffs. The Colonels (25-2), coached byScooter Prince, play at Trinity tonight, starting at 7 p.m., as thebest-of-three series continues.

Prince said he saw room for improvement. His Colonels committed3 errors in the series opener.

“We didn’t play very well,” said Prince. “We didn’t hit the ballwell and we chased bad pitches. We weren’t patient. But at least wegot a W.”

Reese (10-2), a senior right-hander, walked 3 batters, hit 2 andallowed 3 runs on 4 hits.

Catcher Hunter Renfroe hit a double in Copiah’s victory.Singleton hit his 2-run homer in the third inning. Singletonfinished with 2 hits and 2 RBIs.

The Saints fell behind 6-0 after 3 innings. They got a solohomer from Wells Middleton in the fifth.