John Michael Stephens went the distance on the mound, striking out six batters along the way, as Charles Henderson got a leg up in the area race with a 5-2 win over Headland Thursday night.

Charles Henderson scored four runs in the fourth to claw out of an early 2-0 deficit and take the lead for good.

John Johnson scored the first run of the inning by taking home on a passed ball. Chase Smartt would score on a errant throw by the catcher on a sacrifice bunt attempt by Xavius Burden. Later in the inning, the Trojans picked up two bases-loaded walks to cap the scoring.

In the fifth, Smartt scored on Nick Lewis sacrifice fly.

Stephens scattered four hits during the game, and gave up two earned runs in seven innings of work.

Charles Henderson will host Headland on Friday in the back end of the area series. The game is set for a 4:30 p.m. first pitch at Frazier Field. If needed, a rubber-match game will be played following the first game.