A big first inning helped lead the Charles Henderson High School baseball team to a 6-1 victory over Providence Christian in the opening game of the Terry Sikes Memorial Tournament on Thursday.

With one out in the bottom of the first, Joey Denison singled to drive home Hunter Baggett. Austin Ingram then laced a 1-0 pitch over the left-centerfield wall for a three-run home run to put Charles Henderson in front 4-0.

Luke Hastings got the start on the mound and pitched five brilliant innings allowing just one run on two hits.

The lone score and hits by Providence came in the second inning in consecutive fashion. Hastings allowed just one walk and struck out five for the game.

In the sixth, the Trojans added to their advantage.

After a leadoff single by Hastings, the next two batters went down harmlessly. Baggett’s two-out double plated Hastings then Tripp Blackmon reached on an error to score Baggett.

Charles Henderson (3-0) also got solid relief from Blake Craft who pitched the final two innings striking one and walking one in the hitless effort.

Baggett finished the game 2-for-4 at the plate.

Denison was 3-for-3 and leads the team early in the season with a .727 batting average.

Morgan Shaver also had a hit for the Trojans.

“I thought we played a solid game,” head coach Derek Irons said. “Hopefully we can get some games in tomorrow and finish the tournament out strong.”

There is a 100 percent chance of rain today threatening the pace of the tournament.

Charles Henderson will face Northridge at Riddle-Pace Field on the campus of Troy University today.

First pitch is set for 3 p.m.