[02/22/02] Yazoo City stayed close to Warren Central for four innings before the Vikings unleashed a nine-run barrage in the fifth and sixth to win, 10-0.

Brian Pettway’s solo home run in the first inning made it 1-0, and it stayed that way until the fifth inning, when WC (4-0) erupted for seven runs.

Carl Upton had four RBIs, including a triple to the gap n right-center, while Tom Corbin and Daryl Harper both had RBI doubles. Pettway was 2-for-2.

Jeremy Ferguson pitched five solid innings, striking out seven and walking one while giving up just one hit. Harper gave up one hit in an inning of relief but preserved the shutout.

Yazoo (0-4) pitcher Kyle Fairley kept the Vikings off balance with a slow curve early in the game, WC coach Randy Broome said.

WC, which faces Oxford at Brandon tonight at 6, finished with eight hits.

VHS 10, Pearl 5

J.J. Brown’s grand slam in the fourth inning broke a 4-4 tie and vaulted Vicksburg High to a win over the defending Class 4A champion Pirates (3-1).

“We played a little better than we did on Tuesday,” said Gators’ coach Jamie Creel, whose team lost 7-3 to Madison Central. “I guess we got back to Creel-ball.”

The Gators (2-2) pounded out nine hits and stole seven bases. Through four games, VHS has swiped 30 bases.

David Stagg had a single and a double, while Josh McBride and Corey Hudson each had a double.

Matt Middleton added a two-RBI single, Justin Henry had a pair of singles and John Rohrer had an RBI single.

Boo Hardy allowed four runs in the win. Pearl ace Trey Fealko took the loss.

Pearl tied the game at 4-all in the bottom of the third, but Brown’s blast gave VHS the lead for good. Vicksburg will play Provine at Brandon today at 4.