Pearl River Central knocked arch-rival Picayune out of the race for the state baseball playoffs Friday night.

The visiting Blue Devils scored four runs in the top of the 10th inning, and then hung on to pull out a 6-5 win over the Maroon Tide in Region 8-5A play.

The loss eliminated Picayune from the playoff chase. PRC earned the number two seed in the league, and will begin the Class 5A South State playoffs on the road against West Jones Friday night.

The Blue Devils took a 2-0 lead, thanks in part to Devin Roberts driving in a run,  but Picayune tied the game at 2-2 in the fourth setting the stage for extra innings.

In the top of the 10th, Jordan Gaude drove in the go-ahead run with a  single, before Trey Wynn belted a two run triple to make it 5-2. Lane Fazande’s sacrifice fly made it 6-2.

The Maroon Tide rallied for three runs in the bottom of the frame, that included a two run double from Jacob Taylor, but it wouldn’t be enough.

Dylan Spiers went nine innings and allowed just two hits to get the win, and Chance Putnam recorded a save. Taylor also went nine innings for Picayune, and he took the loss.

Picayune, which is out of the state playoffs for the first time in five years, will wrap up its season by facing Region 8-5A champion Long Beach on the road Monday night before hosting Hancock Tuesday night for Senior Night.

The Hawks also qualified for the state Class 6A playoffs with a 5-4 win over Gulfport. Cody Ladner had a two run homer and Trevor Bennett was the winning pitcher.

Hancock, which swept two games from Gulfport last week, will face Oak Grove Friday in the opening round.

Hornets win

Poplarville  pounded Vancleave 16-2 on Friday night to secure the number two seed in Region 8-4A.

The Hornets will also be in action on Friday as the Class 4A South State playoffs begin.

Lady Devils win

Pearl River Central beat Stone County 19-4 Thursday night to remain in first place in the district. Hailee Buras got the win.

PRC will host Picayune on Tuesday. A Lady Devil win would secure the league championship for PRC for the first time ever.

Lady Tide wins two

Picayune beat west Harrison 1-0 and Oak Grove 3-2 Friday at the Harrison Central Tournament.

Bethany Crawford picked up the win in both games.

Christa Jones drove in the only run in game one, while Brooke Ladner had a two run single in game two.

Lady Hornets win

The Poplarville girls beat Vancleave 3-1 Thursday night. Rachel Hickman picked up the win, striking out 12. The Lady Hornets are 5-1 in Region 8-4A, and can win the district title with a win at home over Forrest  County AHS Monday night.