By Sam Staff/Sports Writer

PASCAGOULA — Pascagoula snapped a six game losing streak Tuesday night.
The Panthers knocked off visiting Independence 7-0 in action at the 10th annual Battle at the Beach here at Richie Tillam Field. The win pushes PHS to 3-9 overall, and was the first positive outcome for the team in almost three weeks.
Pascagoula erupted for five runs in the bottom of the second inning to take complete command of the contest. Carlos Fernandez and Niko Salvador had two hits apiece for the Panthers in the big win, and five of the eight total hits for PHS came in that decisive stanza as 10 Panthers came to the plate. The big blow in the outburst was a two-run single by Brodie Merrill.

One of Fernandez’s hits was a double, the only extra base hit for the Panthers on the night.
Willie Sims started and worked the first five frames for PHS on the hill, striking out 10 to pick up the win in the process. He and relief pitcher Braylen Knowles combined on a three-hit shutout to keep the IHS bats silent.

The Wildcats dropped to 9-6 overall with the loss.
The Panthers host Hartfield Academy Friday afternoon to wrap up play in the BATB.

Prior to the win over Pascagoula. the Panthers opened BATB action Saturday afternoon with an 11-2 loss to visiting Etowah on Saturday.

Sims had two hits for the Panthers in that game. Aiden Perez took the pitching loss.

The Panthers open Region 4-6A action next week with a three game series against Picayune beginning Tuesday night.