MONTGOMERY, Ala — Faith Academy pitcher Peyton Bell tossed a five-hitter and struck out nine to lead the Rams (33-5) to a 10-1 victory Hartselle (42-19) at Paterson Field Tuesday in game one of the AHSAA Class 6A State Baseball Championship two-out-of-three series.
The two teams will meet in game two Wednesday at 10 a.m., as the series moves to Riverwalk Stadium. Game three, if needed, will follow 30 minutes after the conclusion of game two.
Faith Academy, coached by Mike Seymour, broke open a scoreless game in the top of the third plating six runs. The Tigers of Coach William Booth were unable to recover.
Lead-off hitter Michael Hopskin had two hits, two runs scored and two RBIs for the Rams. Parker Carlson also had two hits and an RBI and Colton Wood doubled in two runs.
Peyton Steele had a single and RBI to lead Hartselle.