First Presbyterian battled in the blistering sun Saturday and pulled out a one-run lead in the bottom of the 7th inning against a tough Frederica Academy squad.

The 7-6 victory was the third varsity win of the season for the ‘Lander squad.

Coach Joey Brown said the game was too close to call until the very end.

He said Frederica scored in the 1st inning off a few miscues. But the Highlanders were able to post 3 runs to go up by one.

Both teams put up 2 runs in the second with Highlanders Carson Smith and Tyler Corey getting the hits and scores.

Frederica tied the game in the top of the 4th and the game stayed 5-5 until the bottom of the 6th.

Highlander Tim Ashman tripled and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Ryan Smiley.

But the Frederica Knights tied it again in the 7th, hoping they could stop the Highlanders defensively and force extra innings.

Brown said his squad wanted a dramatic end and Highlander Nathan Ward reached first on a Knight error. Ward then stole second. Matt Brown was intentionally walked. Ashman hit a grounder between third and short.

The Knight throw home was low and Ward scored the final run.

"I was once again extremely proud of the guys and the way they have a never-say-die attitude," coach Brown said. "All I ask of them is to give me 100 percent and to play the complete 7 innings. Boy they sure did that today."

The Highlanders have two key region games this week that will decide how they get seeded for the playoffs and whether they play at home.

They were set to play Providence Christian at 4 p.m. Tuesday and then go on the road Thursday to face Georgia Christian.

Playoffs start May 8.