A strong showing from catcher Blake Floyd was just the thing the Pike Liberal Arts Patriots needed to help propel them to a 12-2 victory over region foe Springwood Academy.

Floyd was responsible for eight of the Patriots scoring runs thanks primarily to two home runs that brought in three apiece in the second and fifth innings, resulting in a game that ended two innings early.

Floyd also hit a single in the first inning that caused an error at first base, allowing two Patriot runners to cross home.

“Floyd had two homers and hit the ball well,” Patriots head coach Butch Austin said. “He caught well behind the plate and had a good game all around. You can’t ask for anything more we just played well as a team.”

Although Floyd was the big scorer for the night, he wasn’t the only one showing off his offensive capability.

Nick McLaughlin brought in a run on a double in the first to kick things off for the Patriots as did Lawson Stewart, who brought in a run in the second on a single.

Dustin Newman brought the Patriots score up to 8-0 in the second on a single of his own, adding another run to a lead that Springwood would not recover from.

Springwood’s only points came in the third inning, when a double brought in two runners and prevented the shutout.

The high-scoring action in the game was a far cry away from the defensive battle that made up the Patriots last game against Lee-Scott, where the Patriots seemed to have trouble putting points on the board.

“I think we just jumped on them quicker this time than we did in our last game,” Austin said. “We got more runs that really helped us out and we just hit better and we need to start hitting like that every game.”

Although the Patriots were taking time to show off their offensive power they were just as effective on defense.

Pitcher Josh Starling struck out seven batters in the game’s five innings and after allowing Springwood to score their two runs the Patriots never allowed them back on base.

“Josh’s first two innings he pitched a good game,” Austin said. “But in those last two he threw really well and we played a good defense. When you can come out and play like that and hit well you will get a win.”

The Patriots would go on to play another game against Springwood in part two of a double header, which at press time was tied 3-3 in the third inning.

The Patriots will return on Saturday, March 10, for a home double header against Prattville Christian starting at 1 p.m.