SOUTHAVEN — Warren Central did everything it needed to win Friday night in Game 1 of its Class 6A first-round series against DeSoto Central.

The Vikings got a stellar effort from ace Jay Harper, who went the distance, scattering six hits and striking out four. The defense played marvelously behind him. Well, almost everything.

The problem was the Vikings forgot their bats, managing only three hits, in a 1-0 loss to DeSoto Central.

Colby Key singled and De Kelly and Clayton Ashley had infield hits to account for the Viking offense.

“We didn’t get it done offensively,” WC coach Josh Abraham said. “Jay threw a phenomenal game. He did everything we asked of him. If you would’ve told me that he would’ve given up just one run, I thought we’d be in good shape. We played good defensively behind him.”

Ole Miss signee Casey Greene earned the win for DeSoto Central.

The series resumes Monday at 5 p.m. at Viking Field in a must-win game. If the Vikings force a Game 3, it will be immediately following Game 2. The Vikings will throw righty Colby Key (5-1) and anyone else needed if Key falters on the hill.

“We’re going to hit Sunday and Monday before the game,” Abraham said. “We’re going into it with a mindset of winning two games.”