5A FIRST ROUND: Pike Road dominant in sweep of Charles Henderson
Chael Kerr picked up the win in the first game of the doubleheader sweep of Charles Henderson on Friday. (Staff Phloto)
By GRAHAM DUNN
PIKE ROAD - The road to the Class 5A state championship series has a different feel for the Pike Road Patriots this season.
Last year, it was paved with gutting out wins and managing enough pitching and scoring when they needed it.
This season has been about scoring runs - lots of runs, which was the case in the first round of Friday’s Class 5A series against Charles Henderson.
“We've got so many new faces,” coach Allen Ponder said. “I think if we had a lot of returning starters, it might be a task but having that many new players - they are trying to create their own identity. They want to show they can win in different ways. They’ve been fun to watch.”
The Patriots (16-8) swept the Trojans (7-18) in run-rule fashion, winning 12-2 in five innings and 14-3 in six to move into the second round to face either St. Paul’s or Shelby County next week.
Game 1 starter Chael Kerr was given an eight-run cushion in the first inning and never wavered to pick up the win. Lucas Baggett followed in Game 2 and also was the beneficiary of a big lead early to get the win.
“We have the same young core as last year but this team has a different identity,” Baggett said. “We scratched and clawed last year. This year, we can swing and do it against good pitching. This isn’t the same team as last year.”
Several Pike Road hitters enjoyed their time at the plate, combining for nine hits in the first game and 12 hits in the second. Charles Henderson pitchers also provided 14 walks and hit three batters.
“We have a lot of guys that ground out at-bats. Sometimes we get a hit in the right place. Some times it‘s luck or other times we do what is necessary,” Baggett said.
Patriot pitchers worked around a few moments of wildness but gave up no more than single runs when the Trojans threatened.
“We haven’t been very consistent but we’ve made pitches when we’ve had to,” Ponder said. “We’ve got out of (trouble in) innings and that’s a tribute to our older guys. They don’t worry about guys getting on base. They just do what is necessary.
“Lucas Baggett has been there. Kerr has been there. They have been the leaders and are not afraid to go out and show what needs to be done.”
Baggert finished with five hits combined in the two games, including a double and three runs scored. Cody Markham reached base seven times with two triples included. He knocked in five runs and scored four times.
The Patriots’ next opponent will be decided on Saturday in Game 3 of the series between Shelby County and St. Paul’s.