Rush Hixon threw six shutout innings, and Brian Adams drove in three runs to lift Pike Liberal Arts past Hooper Academy 5-0 Wednesday afternoon at Butch Austin Field in Troy.

The win, a make-up from a March rainout, closed the area season for the Patriots. Pike finished a perfect 6-0 in area play, and captured its eighth straight area championship.

“I am so proud of these boys for doing what they have done this year,” said Pike Liberal head coach Butch Austin. “They have worked hard, and are team full of great, young, Godly men. I couldn’t ask for a better group of kids.”

Hixon didn’t give up a hit until the third inning, and only gave up one other base knock until the seventh inning. The junior pitcher finished the day with six official innings, four strikeouts and he scattered four hits.

Chandler Avant came to the hill in the top of the seventh to quell a late Hooper rally attempt.

Austin said Hixon looked good, despite a late drop off.

“Rush threw the ball well today for the most part,” said Austin. “His arm got a little tired late, but he got the pop outs and the ground balls that we like to see. He is smart out there and knows the defense will back him up.”

Pike picked up a run in the first inning when Brian Adams changed places with Chandler Avant on a double to center field. Adams also belted a deep home run over the left center field wall in the bottom of the fifth inning to give Pike two key insurance runs.

Austin couldn’t help but smile when talking about his senior outfielder.

“Ol’ Brian is something else,” said Austin with a grin. “He has struggled a little bit lately, but hit the ball really well today. The top of the order hit the ball well, but the bottom needs to pick it up. We will work on that over the next few days.”

Pike Liberal will travel to Eufaula to battle Lakeside on Tuesday.

First pitch is set for 3:30 p.m.