The high school baseball playoffs begin this week for teams in Classes 5A, 6A, and 7A in Mississippi.

Locally, a dozen teams will be in action in the first round of the best-of-three series in hopes of claiming a state championship.

CLASS 5A

Gautier vs. South Jones

Gautier is in the baseball playoffs for the first time in school history, a history that dates back 27 years.

The Gators, who finished No. 4 in their region, didn’t get a favorable matchup in their playoff debut, however. Gautier (12-13) has the daunting task of facing a South Jones team (23-5) that many pundits believe is the best team in Class 5A.

Gators coach Deion Ulmer told 228 Sports earlier this week that he is pleased that the hard work his team has put in during his two years at the helm is paying off.

“It’s been a short-term goal for us to get into the playoffs,” said Ulmer. “The hard work is paying off. Now we don’t just need to be happy to be here, we need to play like we belong here.”

Game 1 of the series is Friday at 7 p.m. in Ellisville with Game 2 on Saturday at 3 p.m. in Gautier. A third game, if necessary, will be played on Monday in Ellisville at 7 p.m.

Vancleave vs. North Pike

The Region 4-5A champion Bulldogs have won 14 straight games since losing 7-6 to rival East Central on March 19.

The Bulldogs (21-6) will host North Pike (14-12) on Friday at 7 p.m. in Game 1, with Game 2 set for Saturday at 2 p.m. in Summit. A third game, if necessary, will be on Monday in Vancleave at 7 p.m.

Stone High vs. Brookhaven

Stone High (14-12) finished as the No. 2 seed in Region 4-5A.

The Tomcats will host Brookhaven on Friday at 6 p.m. in Game 1 and travel to Brookhaven on Saturday for Game 2 at 1 p.m. Game 3, if necessary, will be on Monday in Wiggins at 6 p.m.

East Central vs. Florence

The third seed in the region, East Central has been to the playoffs 14 years in a row. By doing so, the two-time defending 5A state champion Hornets get the opportunity for the three-peat.

The Hornets (14-11) will travel to Florence on Friday for Game 1, which is set for 7 p.m. Game 2 will be on Saturday at 2 p.m. in Hurley, while a third game, if necessary, is on Monday in Florence.

CLASS 6A

Pearl River Central vs. West Harrison

Many believe the Blue Devils are the cream of the crop in Class 6A.

PRC (21-6) wrapped up the Region 3-6A title nearly two weeks ago, and now the Blue Devils turn their attention to the postseason, where they will take on West Harrison.

Game 1 is on Friday at 7 p.m. in Carriere with Game 2 to follow Saturday in Gulfport at 1 p.m. Game 3 will be on Monday at PRC, if necessary.

George County vs. Jim Hill

The 4-6A champion Rebels (22-3), who claimed a region baseball title this season for the first time in eight years, will take on Jim Hill in the first round of the playoffs.

The series opener is on Friday at 7 p.m. in Lucedale, followed by Game 2 on Saturday in Jackson at noon. Game 3, if necessary, will be on Monday at George County.

Picayune vs. Hattiesburg

The Maroon Tide (19-7) have reeled off six straight wins since dropping consecutive region games to George County earlier this month.

Picayune, the No. 2 seed in 4-6A, will host Hattiesburg on Friday at 7 p.m. in Game 1. Game 2 is on Saturday at 7 p.m. in Hattiesburg and Game 3, if necessary, will be on Monday at 7 p.m. in Picayune.

Hancock vs. West Jones

The Hawks (12-14) will open the playoffs on Friday at 7 p.m. at West Jones and will host the Mustangs on Saturday at 2 p.m. in Game 2.

If a third game is necessary, it will be on Monday at 7 p.m. in Soso.

CLASS 7A

Ocean Springs vs. Petal

The Greyhounds (16-9) captured the first-ever Region 4-7A title this season and will face traditional baseball power Petal in the opening round of the playoffs.

Game 1 is on Friday at 7 p.m. in Ocean Springs with Game 2 set for Saturday at 7 p.m. in Petal.

Game 3, if necessary, will be on Monday in Ocean Springs.

Gulfport vs. Oak Grove

The No. 2-seeded Admirals (17-11) will host Oak Grove (18-8), another traditional baseball powerhouse, in Game 1 on Friday at 7 p.m.

Game 2 is Saturday at 7 p.m. in Hattiesburg.  If necessary, Game 3 will be on Monday in Gulfport.

Harrison Central vs. Northwest Rankin

The Red Rebels (12-16) open the playoffs on Friday at Northwest Rankin at 7 p.m. and will return home to Lyman on Saturday for Game 2 at 7 p.m.

A third game, if necessary, will be on Monday at 7 p.m. in Flowood.

Biloxi vs. Brandon

The Indians (17-10) will open the playoffs on Friday at 7 p.m. in Brandon before returning home for

Game 2 on Saturday at 7 p.m. in Biloxi.

A third game, if necessary, will be on Monday at 7 p.m. in Brandon.