By Myra Bean

The South Panola Tiger baseball team defeated Columbus 11-4 in seven innings to win its first district game of the season.

Colton Ales (4-3) pitched two innings and picked up the win for the Tigers (8-5 overall, 1-1 district). David Renfroe pitched the first five innings and left when the game was tied at four. Billy Autry took the loss for the Falcons Tuesday.

“Autry is undoubtedly their best player on the mound and at the plate,” Tiger head coach Patrick Robey said.

Autry went 3-for-3.

The Tigers had two leadoff doubles in the first and second innings, but Robey said Autry buckled down and would not give up more hits or let the runner advance.

The score was tied 4-4 going into the top of the seventh inning.

David Renfroe hit a two-run homer in the top of the seventh inning to break the tie and drive home Monroe Harrison.

The Tigers scored five more runs in the inning and then held Columbus scoreless to take the win.

South Panola scored three runs in the top of the third inning for the first scores of the game. Columbus answered with three runs then broke the tie with a fourth run to take a 4-3 lead into the fourth inning. The Tigers tied the scored in the top of the sixth with one run.

Hitting for the Tigers with doubles were Ethan Bright, Tyler Benson and Joseph Blair. Getting multiple hits were Benson and Blair, three each; and Wesley Gregg, two singles.

The Tigers are participating in the Desoto County Tournament today and will play Farmington,  Mo. at Horn Lake beginning at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, the Tigers will host Independence in non-district action at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The Tigers have a busy district week coming up. Tuesday, they will travel to Starkville. Thursday, they will travel to Tupelo for a makeup game due to inclement weather March 7. Friday, South Panola hosts Starkville in the second game of the three-game series. All games are scheduled for 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.