Caleb Sterling struck out six batters in five shutout innings, and Warren Central beat Brandon 1-0 Tuesday in a battle of Class 6A baseball powers.

Warren Central (2-1) scored the game’s only run in the fourth inning. Vantrel Reed led off with a single and went from first to third on an errant pickoff throw. He then scored on a sacrifice fly to center field by Sean Daily.

Reed’s hit was one of only two the Vikings had in the game. The other was a single by Wesley Ricks in the third inning, but he was erased when D.J. Lewis hit into an inning-ending double play.

Brandon pitcher Canon Harvey only walked one batter and struck out nine in 5 1/3 innings.
Sterling allowed four hits, and didn’t walk anyone. Colin Standish pitched two hitless innings of relief to earn the save.

Warren Central will return to action Thursday, in the Mid-Mississippi Classic tournament in Rankin County. WC will play Jackson Prep Thursday and Faith (Ala.) Friday, both at Northwest Rankin. The Vikings will then wrap up their week against Hillcrest (Ala.) Saturday at noon at Pearl High School.