The Pike Liberal Arts Patriots defeated the Tuscaloosa Academy Knights by a score of 3-2 in game three of the Class 2A Quarterfinals on Thursday.

The win moves Pike into the state semifinals for the first time since moving to the Alabama High School Athletic Association.

Tuscaloosa Academy led 2-1 going into the sixth inning when Luke Barron drove in Pruitt Vaughan to tie the score. Garret Whitaker then drove Jackson Bowen home for the go-ahead run. Pike’s defense held the Knights scoreless for the remainder of the contest to secure the series victory.

Bowen went 2-for-3 at the plate for PLAS with two runs and two stolen bases. Barron drove in two runs and hit a double, while Vaughan also hit a double. Barron pitched all seven innings and struck out four batters, while giving up six hits and two earned runs.

Pike will play the winner of Cottonwood vs. Reeltown in the semifinals next week.