By CURTIS ROCKWELL

Item Sports Editor

CARRIERE — Suddenly, after a sluggish start to the prep baseball season, Poplarville finds itself still alive for a possible playoff berth.

The Hornets won consecutive games for the first time this season, both Division 8-4A contests, knocking off homestanding Pearl River Central 8-3 Wednesday night.

And although the win puts Poplarville at just 3-15 overall, the Hornets are 3-6 in league play and are currently tied with D’Iberville, whom Poplarville knocked off Monday night, for the fourth and final playoff spot in the league.

Jade Whitten (1-2) went the distance for the win against PRC, while Blue Devil starter Dustin Dennis took the loss.

The Hornets jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead after three innings and never looked back.

Whitten also helped himself at the plate with three singles, while Blaine Herbert collected a pair of doubles in the win for the Hornets. Maverick Smith had a double and a single, Adam Naquin two singles, Donovan Touchet two singles, Taylor Carr two singles, Eli Frierson a double and Derrick Martin had a double in the winning effort.

For the Blue Devils, Brant Graham had a double and a single and Brandon Farmer added a double.

PRC stands 9-12 overall and 1-8 in league play. The Blue Devils travel to Bay High tonight before heading to Poplarville for a rematch Friday night.

PRC Softball

CARRIERE — Pearl River Central dropped a pair of games in fast-pitch softball action Wednesday night.

The Lady Devils fell to D’Iberville 10-0 and to Long Beach 4-0, both Division 8-4A games.

Emily Kennedy took the loss in the first game and Becky Mitchell took the loss in the second contest.

Crista Davis had two hits for PRC against Long Beach.

The Lady Devils travel to Picayune tonight in the season finale for both teams.