The Pike Liberal Arts junior varsity baseball and softball teams began play in the state tournament on Friday at Macon East Academy in Cecil.

The Lady Patriots knocked off Southern Choctaw 8-2 in their opening round game on Friday morning. The win advanced the Patriots into Friday night’ winners bracket where they took on Clarke Prep. The Patriots lost to Clarke Prep 7-2.

Starting pitcher Dannah Dawson pitched a complete game for the Patriots in their win over Southern Choctaw. She allowed one hit and two runs, none of which were earned.

At the plate Reagan Brown led the Patriots after she finished 1-2 with 2 RBI. Emily Bryan and Emily Dean were each 1-2 with 1 RBI.

“It was a good game,” said head coach Robert Rollan. “I am proud of my girls.”

On Friday afternoon the junior varsity baseball team allowed six runs in the fourth inning in their 8-1 loss to Morgan Academy.

The Patriots scored their lone run in the second inning when Scott Taylor Renfroe singled in Jayden Jordan to go up 1-0.

Levi Sikes got the start for the Patriots. Sikes pitched 3.1 innings and allowed six total runs, four of which were earned on five hits and two walks. He struck out six.

The Patriots finished with four hits by Marx Copeland, Jordan, JD Wilson and Renfroe.

The junior varsity baseball team will have a quick turnaround after the loss. They will play a game in the loser’s bracket this morning beginning at 8 a.m.

The Lady Patriots will be back in action beginning at 1:30 p.m.