Warren Central has a long way to go yet before it wins a state championship in Mississippi. For now, it can lay claim to an interstate title.

Caleb Sterling went 2-for-3 with two doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored, Vantrel Reed had two hits, one RBI and scored twice, and the Vikings beat UMS Wright 9-3 on Saturday in their final game at the Mid-Mississippi Classic tournament in Rankin County.

Warren Central (4-2) won all three of its games in the tournament against a set of perennial Alabama state powers.

UMS Wright has won 10 state championships, the last in 2017. The Vikings also beat Hillcrest (Tuscaloosa), which reached the Class 6A semifinals in 2018, the state finals in 2017, and won the state title in 2016, and Calera.

The Vikings jumped on UMS Wright for six runs in the top of the first inning and never looked back. Four runs scored on bases-loaded walks, and Wesley Ricks brought in another with a two-out double.

After UMS Wright clawed back into the game with three runs in the first two innings, the Vikings dropped the hammer with another offensive surge and some solid bullpen work.
Reed delivered an RBI single and then scored on a double by Sterling to put Warren Central ahead 9-3 in the top of the third inning.

From there, relievers Mayson Shealy and Alan Kivett combined for three innings of scoreless relief to close the door.

Skipper Snaper went 2-for-4 with two RBIs for UMS Wright, while Richard Brinson doubled twice, scored one run and drove in another.

Warren Central will try to stay hot during a busy week. They’ll host Provine in the Region 4-6A opener Tuesday at 6 p.m., and return the trip to Jackson with a Friday doubleheader beginning at 5 p.m.

The Vikings will also play at Jackson Prep on Thursday night, and host Madison Central next Saturday at 1 p.m.

Vicksburg 11, Pelahatchie 5
Dylan Whitfield went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs, and Wayllon Ramo drove in two runs and scored two more as the Vicksburg Gators (3-0) remained undefeated by beating Pelahatchie.

Vicksburg was shut out in a pair of preseason games against Terry and Clinton, but have outscored their first three regular-season opponents 36-10.

The Gators scored in every inning against Pelahatchie, and have scored in 14 of the 19 innings they’ve played this season.

Ryan Thompson hit two doubles and drove in a run against Pelahatchie.

Kendrick Bershell started on the mound for Vicksburg and struck out 10 batters in 3 1/3 innings. He did not allow a hit, but did give up one run.

Jarren McCaplin, Laurence Sullivan and Ty’Ron Moore combined for 3 2/3 innings of relief and added eight strikeouts to the staff’s total.

Pelahatchie’s only hit was an RBI single by Jared Goodin with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Chiefs worked seven walks in the game and had four hit batters, which led to most of their runs.

Vicksburg will begin its Region 4-5A schedule this week with a home-and-home series against Ridgeland. The teams will play at Ridgeland Tuesday at 7 p.m., and at Bazinsky Field Friday at 7 p.m.