By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

PASCAGOULA — Pascagoula picked up its first win of the Colton Caver era Thursday night.

The Panthers nipped visiting East Central 4-2 to move to 1-1 on the young campaign. East Central took the season-opener between the two teams Tuesday in Hurley 3-2.

Denzel Melendez smashed a three run homer in the fifth frame to deliver the big blow for the Panthers. The smash erased a 2-1 deficit and provided what turned out to be the winning runs.

Melendez paced Pascagoula at the plate with two hits, while Sebastian Ford drove in the other run for the Panthers. Jarrad Loper collected a double in the winning effort as well.

Ra’shad Earnest, one of four Panther pitchers on the night, picked up the win. East Central’s Cody Baria took the loss.

Anthony Tanner had two hits, including a double, for the Hornets and Payton McLean also enjoyed a two-hit night. Grant Vick had an RBI.

Pascagoula travels to St. Martin Saturday afternoon. 

In other action in Jackson County on the diamond Thursday night, Gautier went into St. Martin and took a 4-2 win over the Yellow Jackets.

The Gators also used a big three run inning en route to the win, scoring a trio of runs in the third frame to overcome an early 1-0 St. Martin lead and hold on for the win.

Lead-off hitter Christopher Nelson guided Gautier at the plate with a game-high three hits, including a triple, while Matthew Tanner added a pair of hits to the winning effort and drove in a run. Gregory Johnson had a double, and Sebastian Gonzalez drove in a run as well.

Johnson also picked up the pitching win for the Gators.

Caleb Lawrence had a triple for St. Martin, while Lincoln Hust took the loss on the hill.

Gautier heads to Resurrection Friday night.

Elsewhere, Ocean Springs opened the Ryne Long era on the losing end of 4-2 decision on the road at Mary G. Montgomery in Semmes, Ala.

And, Moss Point was no-hit in Hattiesburg by D.J. Johnson in a 15-0 shutout for the Hub City Tigers over the ones from Dantzler Street.

Also, Vancleave fell to Harrison Central 3-0 in Poplarvlle Thursday night at Dub Herring Park on the campus of Pearl River Community College.