Patriots split with Bessemer

Published 3:00 am Saturday, April 1, 2017

For the second time since last weekend, the Pike Patriots and Bessemer split a double-header.

The Patriots (20-6) scored six runs in the seventh inning of game one to win 6-4 before Bessemer won in walk off fashion in game two 4-3.

Reece Burbage picked up the win for the Patriots in game one pitching six innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits and striking seven batters. Sikes pitched the final inning and allowed two hits while striking out one Bessemer batter.

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The Patriots finished with eight hits led by Hunter Jones who went 2-4 with one RBI and Sikes who went 2-3.

Bessemer jumped on the Patriots for four early runs in the opening inning on four hits including a home run.

The four one deficit for the Patriots held until the top of the seventh inning. Trevor Barron singled to left center scoring Tyler Hussey for the Patriots first run. Carter followed immediately after and singled to left to score both Sikes and Max Copeland to bring the score to 4-3. With one out in the inning, Jones reached first on an error to score Barron from third to even the score. The Patriots grabbed the lead when Carter stole home and Reed Jinright scored on a passed ball to bring the score to 6-4.

Sikes allowed the bases to be loaded with one out in the bottom of the seventh before inducing a game ending double play.

Game two

Reed Jinright got the start in game two for the Patriots. He threw six innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits while striking out eight batters.

Jones, Jinright and Cason Murphree accounted for all three hits for the Patriots in game two.

It was the Patriots’ turn to score in the opening inning when Jones scored on a wild pitch to give the Patriots a 1-0 lead.

After being held scoreless in the first inning, Bessemer bounced back with two runs in the second to take a one-run lead.

Reed Jinright smacked a homered to straight away center field to tie the game at two in the fourth and the Patriots took their second lead of the game in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Wood Jinright to score Carter.

After tying the game in the fifth, Bessemer entered the seventh eying a win. Bessemer had their leadoff hitter reach on an error by Wood Jinright, which led to the game winning run on a fielder’s choice.

The Patriots will be back in action on Tuesday when they host Emmanuel beginning at 3:30 p.m.