JACKSON — The game only lasted six innings due to a time limit, but the Starkville Academy players were probably glad they didn’t have to face Jake Brumfield one more inning.

ACCS’s ace pitcher retired 12 of 18 hitters on strikeouts and surrendered just three hits as the Rebels cruised to a 9-0 win Monday afternoon in the Canton Academy Tournament.

Brumfield didn’t even yield a walk in his outing, and ACCS head coach Hunter McKeivier said Brumfield made it a “very comfortable day” for the Rebels.

“We produced runs better than we have done all year, and we played sound defensively, but it’s easy to do that when Brumfield did what he did,” McKeivier said.

McKeivier said Brumfield’s slider was what allowed him to be so effective on the mound.

“It was working really well, and he was able to throw it for strikes and use it as an out pitch in any count,” McKeivier said. “In his last two starts, he’s faced 30 outs and struck out 30 of them. It makes it a little easier for the defense, but the defense was backing him up well.”

Christopher Perry went 3-for-3 with a triple and a home run to lead ACCS offensively. Tanner Martin finished 2-for-4 and Tyler Buckles was 2-for-3. Brumfield had a double for ACCS, and Cody Rhinehart hit a triple.

The Rebels had just one error Monday, and McKeivier said he was pleased with the lack of errors, since he feels his defense needs to be strong in order for the Rebels to contend for a state title. Since the stadium ACCS played in was all turf, McKeivier said it helped his team out a little bit.

“We were able to get true hops, and our guys played them well,” McKeivier said.

“(Shortstop Chris) Carrell did well, and we just made plays on balls that were tough for us last year or two years ago. As long as we get better defensively, I feel this year has a big upside.”

The Rebels will play a double header today against Simpson Academy at 3 p.m. and East Rankin at 5 p.m. in the tournament.