Improved hitting and fine pitching from First Presbyterian Christian Academy Highlanders Matt Brown and Nate Ward are what coach Craig Ward said made the difference in Friday’s 14-10 win at Appling Christian Academy.

Ward said ninth-grader Matt Lormis started the game but was relieved after he faced five strong Eagle batters.

Ward said Brown pitched three innings and Ward came in for four innings for the win.

The Highlanders were led in hits by Brown, who hit four singles. Ward was three of four with a double.

Defensively, the coach said, the Highlanders sealed the victory when an Eagle hit one toward third. The ball was fielded, and a double play converted with a toss to second and a final throw to first in the bottom of the seventh inning ended the game at 14-10 in FPCA’s favor.

The boys were set to face Abundant Life Christian yesterday at Miller Park. They host Frederica Academy at 4 p.m. Friday on Bradwell’s baseball field.