By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Writer

HOMEWOOD— A valiant effort came up short for the Briarwood Lions baseball team April 12, as the squad fell in a one-game playoff for the AHSAA Class 5A, Area 9 championship.

The Lions took on Homewood, after splitting the season series with the Patriots. The Lions made a rousing comeback in the late stages of the game, but ultimately fell 7-6.

Using a format that allowed Homewood to host the game, but designated Briarwood as the “home” team —allowing them to bat last— the Lions got off to a rough start.

The Patriots opened the top of the first with four two-out runs to take a 4-0 lead. Starter Cleveland Milstead was pulled in favor of Blythe Woods, and Woods induced the final out to end the run.

The Lions got on the board in the bottom of the seconds when Blake Coggins crossed the plate after singling to lead of the inning. John Michael Pegusky also singled, but ended the inning stranded at third.

Briarwood added another run in the bottom of the fourth when Wes Hardin scored after a leadoff walk to bring the score to 5-2 in favor of the Patriots.

After a shutout top of the fifth, Briarwood’s bats exploded for three runs. Tim Roberson led the inning off with a single, while a hit-by-pitch put Brayden Housel on base.

After a Jake Morris sacrifice bunt moved the duo over, Ethan Simmons reached via error to bring in Roberson. Another error scored Housel, and Simmons scored on a bases loaded walk of Harrison Cain. The Lions could not convert another opportunity, and took a 5-5 tie into the sixth.

Homewood added a run in the sixth, and the Lions matched it when Jake Bracewell scored on a Housel single to tie the game again.

The Patriots tacked on yet another run in the top of the seventh, and it proved to be the final score of the game. The Patriots took the game and the area championship with the 7-6 win.

Stats were unavailable at press time. Check back with Shelbycountyreporter.com for updates.