By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

While George County got a little breathing room at the top of the Region 4-6A standings with its win over Pascagoula Tuesday night, the result left the Panthers and three other squads in a chaotic battle for the final three playoff spots in the league standings.

And part of that equation resulted as well because of Hancock’s 4-2 road win over Picayune.

Currently, the Maroon Tide and Long Beach each sit tied up in second place at 6-4 in the region race while Pascagoula and Hancock are knotted up in fourth at 5-5. George County is 8-2, while West Harrison is 0-10.

Region play resumes Friday night with Picayune heading to Hancock, Pascagoula hosting George County and Long Beach facing win-less West Harrison. The Hurricanes are 0-10 in the loop and have been eliminated from the race for the playoffs.

Then on Saturday afternoon, the match-ups remain the same but home-field flip flops.

At Kent Kirkland Field Tuesday night, Hancock shocked home-standing Picayune 4-2.

Hawks senior stalwart pitcher Ayden Howard hurled a complete game in taking the win, as he struck out six and allowed six hits while walking two.

Kendall Blevins worked almost six complete stanzas and took the loss for Picayune.

Brandon Arcement had two hits and drove in a run for Hancock.

Parker Helton had a triple for the home team, while Turner Pugh collected a pair of doubles and Cooper Moreaux had a double also.

Meanwhile, in Gulfport Tuesday night, Long Beach downed West Harrison 7-2.

Aiden Downey had two hits and a game-high three RBIs for the Bearcats, including a two-run single in the seventh, while Wayne Ulrich had two hits including a double in the winning effort.

Will Brady went the distance on the mound to pick up the win, as he struck out four and allowed five hits.

Tyler Gazzier and Reece Parker each had a double apiece for the Hurricanes.

Camreon Sandel took the loss.