The high school baseball playoffs continue this week with several local teams advancing to the next round in their quest for a state championship.
Here are the matchups in the best-of-three series involving local teams:
CLASS 7A
Ocean Springs vs. Brandon
Ocean Springs rolled to a 12-4 Game Three win on Tuesday over Petal to advance in the playoffs while Biloxi saw its season come to an end with a 10-0 Game Three loss on Tuesday in Brandon.
With their game tied 3-3 after three innings, the Greyhounds scored three runs in the fourth inning and put it away with six runs in the fifth.
Jack Jordan had a two-run double in the fourth for the Greyhounds. Michael Diaz had a two-run single and Chris Fox added a two-run double in the sixth inning.
The Greyhounds (18-10) will host the Bulldogs (20-13) in Game One of the next round on Friday.
Game Two will be on Saturday in Brandon. If a third game is necessary, it will be played on Monday in Ocean Springs. All three games are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
Gulfport vs. Northwest Rankin
Gulfport (19-12) won a thrilling 7-6 Game Three over Oak Grove on Tuesday to advance in the playoffs.
The Warriors took a 6-3 lead over Gulfport in the top half of the sixth, but the Admirals rallied for four runs in the bottom of the sixth highlighted by Prince Cottonham’s sacrifice fly that drove in the game-winning run.
Gulfport will take on Northwest Rankin (20-8) in the next round. Game One of the series is on Friday in Brandon with Game Two on Saturday in Gulfport. A third game, if necessary, will be on Monday in Brandon. All games begin at 7 p.m.
CLASS 6A
Picayune vs. Pearl River Central
The two county rivals are meeting for the first time this season, even though they’re just a few miles apart.
Both teams are coming off big first-round playoff wins. The Maroon Tide (21-7) swept Hattiesburg while the Blue Devils (22-6) had a fairly easy time sweeping West Harrison.
Game One of this series is on Friday in Carriere while Game Two will switch to Picayune on Saturday. A third game, if necessary, will be on Monday at PRC. All games are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
George County vs. West Jones
George County (27-3) swept Jim Hill in the first round to advance in the playoffs while West Jones (22-6) took two games from Hancock to advance.
The Rebels will host the Mustangs in Game One on Friday while the two teams will play in Soso on Saturday in Game Two. Game Three, if necessary, will be on Monday in Lucedale. All games are set to begin at 7 p.m.
CLASS 5A
Stone High vs. South Jones
Stone High (17-12) had little trouble in dispatching Brookhaven in two games in the first round of the playoffs while South Jones (22-6) swept two games from Gautier to reach the second round.
The Tomcats will play Game One on Friday at South Jones and then return home to Wiggins on Saturday for Game Two. Game 3, if necessary, will be on Monday in Ellisville. All games begin at 7 p.m.
Vancleave vs. East Central
These Jackson County rivals and region foes meet again in the postseason.
Vancleave took two of three region games from the Hornets earlier this season and East Central was the last team to hand the Bulldogs a loss. East Central beat Vancleave 7-6 on March 16, but since then, the Bulldogs have reeled off 16 straight wins.
Vancleave (23-6) eliminated North Pike in two games in the first round of the playoffs while East Central (16-11) has won nine consecutive games. The Hornets beat Florence in two games to advance.
Game One of the series will be on Friday in Vancleave with Game Two set for Saturday in Hurley. If necessary, a third game will be on Monday in Vancleave. Game times are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday and Monday and 1 p.m. on Saturday.
CLASS 4A
Poplarville vs. Sumrall
Poplarville (16-14) had to go three games to defeat Forrest County AHS in the first round of the playoffs while perennial power Sumrall (28-4) took care of Greene County in two games to advance.
Game One will be on Friday at Sumrall with Game Two on Saturday in Poplarville. A third game, if necessary, will be on Monday in Sumrall. Games are set for 7 p.m. on Friday and Monday and 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Purvis vs. Columbia
Purvis defeated Pass High 11-0 on Tuesday in a decisive Game Three to advance to the next round.
The Pirates managed just two hits in their season-ending loss.
Purvis (21-6) will host Game One on Friday and the series will switch to Columbia (20-9) on Saturday. A third game, if necessary, will be on Monday in Purvis. All games begin at 7 p.m.
CLASS 3A
St. Patrick vs. Southeast Lauderdale
St. Patrick (17-12) defeated Franklin County in two games to advance to the quarterfinals in the playoffs.
Southeast Lauderdale (24-8) had to go three games to eliminate St. Stanislaus, beating the Rock-A-Chaws 8-6 on Monday in a decisive Game Three.
The Fighting Irish will travel to Meridian for Game One to face the Tigers and then return home on Saturday for Game Two. Game Three, if necessary, will be on Monday. Game times are set for 7 p.m.
CLASS 1A
Resurrection Catholic vs. Ethel
The quest for a third straight state championship continues for Resurrection Catholic.
The Eagles (23-4) advanced to the quarterfinals with a sweep of West Bolivar.
RCS has won 20 consecutive playoff games as the team enters its series against Ethel (18-9), which took care of Stringer in three games.
Game One of the series is set for Friday in Ethel with Game Two on Saturday in Pascagoula.
