Special to The Messenger

Justin Sims helped the Pike Liberal Arts Patriots improve their record to 15-5 and 3-0 in the region Friday with a 3-0 victory over Hooper.

Sims pitched a near perfect game as he went seven innings allowing no runs on no hits, one walk and struck out 13. Sims faced only 23 batters. The Patriot defense controlled the game as Hooper had only two base runners on the day, a walk in the second and an error in the seventh.

Patriots offense scored early in the bottom of the 1st when Luke Sanders reached base after being hit by a pitch, Wes Johnson and Sims followed with singles, Drew Kilpatrick's fielder's choice scored Sanders.

Pike Liberal got all the runs it would need in the third inning. After Johnson singled, Brandon Hooks was hit by a pitch and Kilpatrick's single scored both Johnson and Hooks.

Leading Hitters for the Patriot's were Wes Johnson three-for-three, Sims and Kilpatrick one-for-three.

Sims was challenged on the mound by Hooper pitcher Chad Anderson who pitched six innings, allowing three runs off five hits, no walks and six strikeouts.

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Pike's next game is another regional match up against Ft. Dale Academy. The game will be played Tuesday in Troy and is currently scheduled for 4 p.m. That time is subject to change.

The Patriots also avenged a loss this week. PLAS defeated Dixie Academy on the road Thursday, five days after losing to Dixie at home.

The Patriots won the rematch 14-5, proving that they are the better team. The Patriots lost to Dixie 4-3 in an error-filled game April 12.