DAILY LEADER / TRACY FISCHER / Brookhaven’s starting pitcher Scotty Bateman (28) prepares to deliver his pitch to Natchez in Tuesday night baseball action at Moyer Field.

The Brookhaven Panthers kicked off their Region 6-5A race with a big 12-1 win over the Natchez Bulldogs Tuesday night at Moyer Field.

The Panthers (3-5, 1-0) returns to action Friday night as they travel to Natchez to take on the Bulldogs once again for another big Region test. Junior varsity action begins at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity game at 7 p.m.

Brookhaven 12, Natchez 1 

After two scoreless innings, the Natchez Bulldogs managed to secure a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning, before Brookhaven answered with a huge 11 run explosion in the bottom of the third inning.

The Panthers would add another run in the bottom of the fourth inning to push their lead to 12-1 and held on to secure the win in a five-inning contest.

Scotty Bateman was the winning pitcher for the Panthers with nine strikeouts and no walks.

Travez Lyles suffered the loss on the mound for Natchez with five strikeouts and nine walks.

Blaine Moak powered the Ole Brook’s offense with two singles. Brandon Henyard and Tate Walley provided a single apiece.

Jeremy Myles and Lyles were the top hitters for Natchez at the plate with a single each.