Timely hits helped the Pike Patriots sweep Escambia Academy 8-4 and 11-2 in a Tuesday double-header.

In game one the Patriots found themselves down by three runs in the middle innings, but a two-run home run by Adam Grice and a double by Hunter Jones led to a come-from-behind win for the Patriots.

“Being at home always helps,” said Patriots head coach Allen Ponder. “When you have your home crowd behind you it always helps you to relax a little bit. We came up with some big two out hits in the middle innings, and we are very fortunate to come out with a win.”

Reed Jinright got the start and pitched the game’s first six innings while allowing four runs on six hits, striking out seven.

“Reed is a bulldog and a kid that you want on the mound,” Ponder said. “He has a winner’s mentality. We just have to do a better job at getting the ball below the bat. He made pitches when we needed him to, and I am very proud with the way he finished.”

The Patriots scored in the first inning. After Jinright reached first base on a single, then Grice, Wood Jinright and Murphy Renfroe all were hit by pitch, scoring Jinright for the game’s first run.

After the Patriots left the bases loaded in the third, the Cougars came back up in the top of the fourth and scored three runs to jump out in front 4-1.

The Patriots battled back in the bottom of the fourth. Tyler Hussey led off the inning with a single. Pinch runner Cason Murphree came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Reed Jinright. Down 4-2, Grice blasted a pitch over the wall in left center scoring Jones as well.

The Patriots had their second straight three run inning in the fifth to take a 7-4 lead over the Cougars.

Renfroe started the inning with a walk. With two outs in the inning, Hussey singled scoring pinch runner Trevor Barron from third base. Jones came up and doubled down the left field line to clear the bases, giving the Patriots the 7-4 lead.

Jones relieved Jinright in the sixth inning and shut the door in the final two innings.

The Patriots scored their final run in the sixth inning when Grice reached first on a fielding error by the shortstop. He came around to score on a throwing error that sailed into the third base dugout.

Hussey and Lee both led the Patriots with two hits in game one.

The Patriots carried over their momentum from game one into game two and ran away with an 11-2 win over the Cougars.

Tyler Floyd started game two for the Patriots. Floyd threw five innings and allowed two runs on just one hit. He struck out two batters and didn’t allow a walk. Simmons came in and closed the door in the final two innings.

The Patriots had just six hits in the game highlighted by Reed Jinright and Hayes Lee, who both had a hit.

The Patriots will be back in action again on Thursday when they host Glenwood at 3:30 p.m.