Trailing 1-0 in the top of the sixth inning to last year’s Region 2-AA champs, Brentwood, First Presbyterian Christian Academy knew they had to dig deep. The Highlander boys came up big, winning 3-1 Friday at the St. James Sports Center. First-year head baseball coach Ryan Harmon beamed pride in his team. It was FPCA’s first win of the season and his first as a high school baseball coach.
“It was a great win,” he said. “I’m so proud of the way we never gave up. It feels great to get my first win against the two-time defending state champions. They have a very classy program and I have a ton of respect for them.”
The Eagles tried to strike in the first inning. The visiting team loaded the bases, but an outfield fly shagged by Highlander Jake Lee ended the Eagles’ chance.
In the second inning, the Eagles faced two outs but managed to load the bases. The next batter smacked the ball to Highlander short stop Darrius Tilghman, again killing the opportunity.
The Eagles did score in the third.
“James Moon pitched five strong innings, giving up only one run,” Harmon said.
Moon also sparked FPCA’s scoring. In the bottom of the sixth, Moon smacked a two-run double to give FPCA a 2-1 lead.
The Highlanders scored another run on a passed ball.
Highlander Kyle Hill also did his job on the mound, pitching the final two innings and not giving up any runs.
FPCA is 1-2 overall and 1-1 in Region 2-AA of the Georgia Independent School Association classifications.
The Highlanders will host Bethesda Monday at 4:30 p.m.