Back-to-back weeks that went the wrong way for the Winston Academy Patriots have the team looking to find some new mojo heading into the playoffs this week.
The Pats (21-11, 7-8 MAIS 2-4A), lost a series to East Rankin two weeks ago and followed that up by dropping two out of three to the Leake Academy Rebels to end the regular season. The frustrating part for the Patriots was having a chance to sweep the series but losing two games by a run which had Leake ending its season on a high note.
In game one of a double header at home, the Pats fell behind early 4-0 after two innings and were down 5-0 going into the sixth. A furious rally after trailing 6-1 came up just short as the Patriots scored four runs in the final frame but couldn’t complete the comeback in a 6-5 defeat.
WA managed just five hits in the game and none for extra bases. Jennings Fulton threw 2.2 innings of scoreless and hitless relief.
The Patriots brought the bats in game two scoring five runs in the bottom of the first, three in the second and two in the third on the way to an 11-4 win. Camden Sanders led the team with a 2-for-3 night and drove in three runs with a home run while Dalton Powell also had three RBI. Brylee Wall threw a complete game with seven hits, four unearned runs, two walks and 11strikeouts as he overpowered the Leake hitters.
In game three on the road in Madden and with a chance to take the series, the Patriots gave up three runs in the fourth inning to lose a2-0 lead but tied it at 3-3 in the sixth frame. Leake was able to walk it off in the seventh to steal the series, however.
The Patriots had a pivotal game one of the MAIS playoffs on Tuesday night that happened after press time. WA is playing Pillow Academy in the first round and will travel to Greenwood on Thursday for game two at 4 p.m. with an if necessary, game three following. The Patriots beat Pillow in the first game of the season 7-6 back on February 8.
