NATCHEZ — A 23-run second inning for Long Beach High School doomed the Bulldogs in Game 1 of the first round of the MHSAA 5A baseball playoffs Friday.

The Bulldogs lost 24-3 and Long Beach took a 1-0 series lead in a best-of-three series as it shifts to Long Beach today.

“There were four or five errors to start that big rally off,” Smith said. “I preach defense, defense, but I was proud of them for not tucking their tails and running.”

The game started off well for the Bulldogs. Natchez starting pitcher Jatavis Melton pitched a scoreless first inning; the only blemish was an error.

Melton scored the game’s first run, reaching base on a walk and scoring on a wild pitch.

The meltdown started with a leadoff double from Long Beach pitcher Justin Lockey. The Bearcats’ Charlie Wescovich reached on an error to put runners at the corners and Cody Crosby knocked in Long Beach’s first run.

Two misfielded bunts on back-to-back plays extended the rally. Neither Melton nor his reliever Jadarius Ivory were able to get outs as Long Beach found gap after gap and hole after hole.

Long Beach’s lead was well out of reach following a grand slam from Bearcat third baseman Tyler Allen.

Travez Lyles ended the nightmare inning, making a play on a ground out and striking out the final two Long Beach batters.

The rally was sustained by 13 hits and six errors. The score was 23-1 heading into the bottom of the second inning.

Smith said he was conscious of saving pitchers for a potential of two more games.

“(Lyles) came in did what he was supposed to do,” Smith said. “He’s a senior so he knows what to do (in that situation).”

Lyles allowed just one run in the third inning during four innings of relief. He recorded five strikeouts.

Natchez did not lose without a whimper in the third inning. With two outs, Melton reached base with a single and scored on two passed balls. Tydarius Tyrell batted in Quincy Henderson with an RBI single.

Smith said the last three innings of offense boosted Natchez’s confidence after a disappointing second inning.

“This is what happened last year,” Smith said. “Hopefully this transfers to (today) and we’ll be back here Monday.”

Shavoké Herrington will get the start for Natchez today. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. at Long Beach.