No. 3 ranked Pike Liberal begins quest for another championship Thursday in Austin’s final season

Just a few days before what could possibly be his final baseball game, Pike Liberal Arts head coach Butch Austin wasn’t showing any signs of a man entering his final post-season.

Austin, decked out in a button down shirt and blue jeans, was seated in the dugout at the field named in his honor watching the Patriots take batting practice. Austin has been here before, and knows the journey to Paterson Field is a long and winding road.

“We have had teams in the past that were good enough to make it, and didn’t,” said Austin. “If we play well, I think we have a really good chance. If we don’t play well, we will get beat and be done. It is a s simple as that”

Pike Liberal’s road to the state finals begins Thursday afternoon against regional rival Fort Dale Academy. Fort Dale, located just 45 miles away in Greenville, presents a formidable test for the Pats. The Eagles swept past Kingwood Christian in the first round, while Pike sat at home with a bye.

Austin feels Fort Dale, which is ranked 10th in the most recent Alabama Sports Writers Association poll is as good as any team in the state.

“They have three really good pitchers, one lefty and two righties, and they hit the ball well,” said Austin. “They play great defense, and have a really good catcher and shortstop. We have all the scouting reports we can find, so we are ready to play. We just have to worry about us, and not get caught up playing someone else’s game. We are playing at home, so we need to play like it. If we want to win a title, we have to win Thursday.”

Pike and Fort Dale will play a doubleheader on Thursday at Butch Austin Field, with the “if game” taking place on Friday.

Thursday’s game begin at 4 p.m.