NATCHEZ — An eight-run third inning was the deciding factor in Adams County Christian School’s victory over Amite School Center Friday night. ACCS managed a 12-3 victory en route to a 3-0 pre–season tournament record throughout the week.

Chris Perry led the scoring rampage in the third with a two-run home run scoring Jake Brumfield. Later in the inning, Amite starting pitcher Brandon Terrell was relieved by Brandon Hood. With Chris Carrell already on base, Hood walked Rusty Blackwell, the first batter he faced.

Tyler Buckles then laid down a bunt, scoring Carrell. Buckles beat the throw to first with Blackwell advancing to second.

An Ethan Loyed single scored Blackwell from second.

Still in the third, with two outs, Jake Brumfield approached the plate with the bases loaded. His fly ball to center field was dropped by Amite centerfielder Will McNabb, scoring all three ACCS base runners.

Amite struck first, in the top half of the first, with a solo home run by Brandon Terrell. Amite managed another run in the first inning by an ACCS error.

Johnny Smith, ACCS’s starting pitcher, calmed down after the home run and got some key outs for the Rebels.

“Johnny was a little upset about the home run because Terrell is a friend of his,” head coach Hunter McKeiver said. “He gave up the home run but then calmed down. He got outs when we needed them. However, defensively we have to play better.”

Amite’s third run, in the third inning, was off an error as well.

After allowing a home run in the top half of the first inning, Johnny Smith answered with a two-run home run of his own in the bottom half of that inning. After Jake Brumfield walked, Johnny Smith delivered.

“I think he was shocked that he hit it out,” McKeiver said. “He’s not really a power hitter, he’s known for hitting line-drives. He’s a reliable hitter who gets on base.”

Chris Perry had a fine preseason for the Rebels, hitting home runs and having multiple hits in back-to-back games. He had a double and a two-run home run in the third inning.

“I’m feeling confident. We’re going to be good this year,” Perry said. “I don’t put pressure on myself because I know the guys in front of me and the guys behind me can get it done.”

McKeiver spoke of Perry’s pre-season success after the game.

“He struggled a bit Tuesday, he put too much pressure on himself. He came to practice Wednesday focused and worked it all out. He’s a great ball player.”

ACCS’s other two runs came in the second inning. Tyler Buckles laid a bunt between the pitcher and the third baseman, advanced Rusty Blackwell to third and reaching first safely. Buckles attempted a steal to second base and was called safe in the effort. Blackwell then stole home while Amite was off guard. Buckles then scored off a Tanner Martin fielder’s choice.

Head coach Hunter McKeiver was not satisfied with the way his club bunted in Thursday night’s contest, but felt his team executed bunting perfectly against Amite Friday.

“Oh we definitely did better with our bunting tonight, there’s no question” McKeiver said. “We did a lot better with base running, too.”

ACCS hosts Copiah Monday at 6:30 p.m.