In the wake of three high-scoring victories, it seemed as if Warren Central had put its offensive struggles in the past.

And then Nichole Fullilove came to town.

The South Panola pitcher struck out 18 batters in eight innings, allowing the Lady Tigers to overcome their own hitting woes to beat Warren Central 5-0 Monday in Game 1 of a Class 6A playoff series at Lucy Young Field.

Games 2 and, if necessary, 3, are today at South Panola beginning at 4 p.m.

Warren Central pitcher Darby Gain was just as good as Fullilove until South Panola (18-5) finally got to her in the top of the eighth inning.

Two bunt singles loaded the bases. South Panola started the inning with a runner on second base in accordance with the rules of the international tiebreaker.

Two misplayed grounders followed, leading to the first three runs of the game. South Panola padded the lead when a run crossed the plate on a passed ball and another on a fielder’s choice by Morgan Parker to make it 5-0.

Fullilove struck out two of the three batters she faced in the eighth inning to close it out.

Gain wound up pitching an eight-inning complete game despite taking the loss. None of the runs she allowed were earned. She scattered six hits, walked one batter and struck out six.

Brooke Patterson had both of Warren Central’s (16-7) hits, and Chloe Morgan was 2-for-4 with a run scored for South Panola.