2012 a big year for area schools on the diamond

2012 was an exciting year for area baseball and softball fans as several teams enjoyed successful seasons.

Pike Liberal Arts claimed its first-ever Alabama Independent School Association state baseball championship. Charles Henderson finished advanced to the second round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association playoffs. Goshen completed a solid year with a berth in the postseason as well, falling to Leroy in the first round.

The Goshen softball team made a run to the state tournament while Charles Henderson battled injuries and youth, posting a 10-25 record.

Pike Liberals Arts finished the baseball season with a 31-6 record and a state title. 2012 marked the third consecutive season the Patriots have won 25 or more games.

After falling in the AISA state title series to Glenwood in 2010 and 2011, Pike’s season seemed to revolve around the looming rematch with the Gators.

Pike posted a 5-0 record against its arch-rival in 2012, including a pair of victories in the semifinals.

The Patriots would go on to knock off Tuscaloosa Academy in three games, the third of which was one for the history books.

After the Patriots crushed Tuscaloosa 18-1 in Game 1 at Paterson Field in Montgomery, the Knights shocked Pike with a 5-4 win in Game 2 setting the stage for a third and final game.

In Game 3, Tuscaloosa built a 10-1 lead heading into the bottom of the fifth inning. The Patriots scored 14 runs in the miracle inning to take the lead and eventually the title, winning the game 15-10.

Lawson Stewart, Nick McLaughlin, Blake Floyd and Taytom Barnes were named to the AISA All-Star team.

Charles Henderson made a furious run through the regular season before falling to a tough Russell County squad in the second round of the playoffs.

The Trojans finished ranked fifth in the ASWA Class 5A poll with a 26-9 record.

Two members of the 2012 squad signed to play baseball at the college level. Gregory Barnette

committed to play for Wallace-Selma while Michael Fox joined the Jefferson Davis program in Brewton.

Goshen’s softball team earned a state playoff berth after finishing second in the South Central Regional Tournament.

The Eagles were led by the power arm of pitcher Alli Warrick.

Goshen received a tough draw in the state tournament. The Eagles fell to defending Class 2A state champion Hatton High School before being eliminated from play by American Christian. Goshen finished the season with a 27-15 record.

Editors Note: The Messenger’s look back at the 2012 athletic seasons in four segments. The remaining three articles in the series will run as follows: Basketball – Dec. 26, Recreation Jan. 1, Football – Jan 2.