CROWLEY – The 2012 prep baseball season officially gets under way Thursday for two local teams as they take part in the first day of action in the Notre Dame Pioneer Invitational at Miller Stadium.

Crowley High will kick things off at 4 p.m. when the Gents play host to the Erath Bobcats in the tourney opener. Host Notre Dame will follow at 6 p.m. with a contest against Catholic High of New Iberia.

Friday’s action has three games on tap beginning with a 3:30 p.m. contest between St. Louis and Erath. St. Louis will remain on the field for another game against University at 5:30. University will also play back-to-back games, taking on Notre Dame in the nightcap at 7:30.

The tournament will conclude Saturday with a five-game slate. Crowley High will play in the first two games, taking on Catholic High at 10 a.m. and University at noon.

Catholic and St. Louis will meet at 2 p.m. followed by a game between Notre Dame and St. Louis at 4. The Pioneers will wrap up the tournament at 6 p.m. when they take on Erath.