Special to The Messenger

Pike Liberal Arts (19-5, 6-0 in region) pounded Hooper Academy Sunday in Hope Hull. The Patriots won the first game 7-0 and the second game 17-5 in six innings. Pike Liberal needed one win to put them in 1st place in the region and to be awarded the home field playoff game. Hooper Academy needed to split with Pike in order to earn a playoff spot. Their looses put Morgan Academy in instead.

In game one, Justin Sims earned his 10th win of the year. He pitched all seven innings giving up no runs on four hits, walking one and striking out nine. Luke Sanders led the Patriots in the first game going a perfect 5-for-5 at the plate. The bottom of the Patriot's lineup contributed heavily as Andrew Folmar and Wesley Grant both scored twice in the game.

The second game began as a rout as the Patriots batted around in the first inning, scoring five runs. Drew Kilpatrick led the offensive attack for the Patriots going 2-for-4, scoring twice and picking up six RBI.

Brandon Hooks picked up the win for Pike in game two, pitching all six innings.

Hooks and Sims finished the year with a combined 13-2 record, both with ERAs under 1.00.

The Patriots pitching staff will be challenged in the first round of the state playoffs by the defending state champion Lee-Scott Warriors. The game will be played Wednesday at 2 p.m.