By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
Escambia Academy’s Jacob Lee and Caleb Davis hit a 3-run home run each, helping launch the Cougars past South Choctaw, 16-3 in game 3 of a 3-game series between the schools during the first round of the AISA Class 2A State Playoffs last Saturday, April 24.
According to EA head coach Mike Sims, Lee also gained the win on the mound for the Cougars. Lee pitched 5 innings, walked 2 batters, struck out 4 and allowed only 3 runs on 4 hits. In addition to a 3-run home run and receiving honors as the game-winning pitcher, Lee, along with Davis, Landon Sims, Parker Robinson and Kayne Hooks all went 2-for-3 inside the batters box.
Coach Sims said game 3 was forced after splitting wins with South Choctaw on Friday night (April 23). The Cougars captured the first win after defeating South Choctaw, 8-7 in game 1 of the series in 9 innings.
Sims had the win on the mound for the Cougars. Sims pitched 7 innings and allowed only 1 hit. In addition, Sims registered 8 strikeouts and no walks. Christian Crook went 2-for-3 at the plate, scored 2 runs and stole base twice. Robinson also went 2-for-3, walked once, gained a double and stole base twice.
Robinson however, registered the loss on the mound during the second game of the 3-game series as EA fell, 9-1, against South Choctaw. Robinson pitched 7 innings, allowed 5 hits and walked 3 batters. Hooks went 2-for-3 at bat, while Sam Fields, Brady Howell and Davis each went 1-for-3.
With the victories, the Cougars (20-12-1) advance to round 2 of the AISA Class 2A State Playoffs and will face Edgewood Academy this Thursday, April 29, in a best-of-3 game series. If EA can find their way around the Edgewood team, the Cougars will advance to the state championship.