FLOWOOD – A remarkable season comes to an end for Presbyterian Christian.
The Bobcats' unexpected run for a state championship fell just short on Thursday after PCS could not overcome an early deficit to Jackson Prep. The Patriots came away with a 9-4 victory to win their seventh straight state championship.
"We knew we had to play our best over the last three days, and when you spot them six runs in the first, then it's digging yourself in a hole that you can't get out of against a team like that," PCS coach Jarrett Hoffpauir said. "I'm proud of the guys they battled, and we gave ourselves some opportunities to score some runs, but tonight was their night. They are a heck of a ball club."
PCS took a 1-0 lead after a failed pickoff attempt, which allowed Turner Vance to score from first base. But then Jackson Prep answered with six runs in the first inning that the Bobcats could never recover. But in the bottom of the first, Jackson Prep (39-4) loaded the bases with no outs and answered with six runs, which included a two-run single and a three-run home run.
However, the Bobcats had chances to respond but left seven runners on base in the next three innings. In the fourth inning, PCS did manage to plate two runs from a fielder's choice and an error to narrow the score to 6-3, but the Bobcats left the bases loaded.
"Playing catch up is always tough, and you have some pressure on yourself," Hoffpauir said. "I'm proud of our guys. We left some runners on, but I thought we played seven full innings. We just had to play catch up, and you can't do it against teams like that, especially with the arms that they have on the back end."
PCS' lineup hit into double plays in the fifth and sixth innings, killing any momentum, whereas Jackson Prep added two runs from an RBI single by Konnor Griffin and then a sacrifice fly. The Bobcats did plate one more run in the top of the seventh inning after Jacob Baugh drove in a run from a fielder's choice, but it was too little too late.
"It's our first time here (in the championship)," Hoffpair said. "We have plans to be back and have learned some things along the way. Our guys are going to be hungry next year."
PCS, which finished the seasons 23-11, will graduate four starters, which include three infielders and one outfielder, but returns all of its starting pitching.
"We have four starters that we have to replace," Hoffpauir said. "All four are at least four-year starters. It's the middle infield guy and one of the best outfielders that I have coached. We have some spots to fill, but we some young guys that can do it.
"We will regroup over the summer and be ready to roll next year."
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