HUNTSVILLE – A combined three runs in two games were the difference as Spain Park’s baseball team was knocked out in the first round of the Class 7A playoffs with 9-7 and 8-7 losses at Grissom on Friday, April 28.

In the first game, Grissom outhit the Jaguars 12-7 and scored multiple runs in the second, fourth and sixth innings.

Jacob Rich was the only Spain Park batter to finish the game with multiple hits, as he went 2-3 at the plate with an RBI.

Peyton Sanderson was 1-2 with two walks, two RBI and two runs scored.

Will Battersby suffered the loss on the mound for SPHS, allowing nine runs, seven of which were earned, on 12 hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings pitched while striking out three.

In the second game, Grissom took a 7-1 lead in the third inning and held on despite a five-run sixth inning for SPHS.

Lane Willis, Rich, Will Evans and Sam Dozier all had two-hit games at the plate.

Willis scored two runs, while Evans drove in two runs.

Kevin Hopkins recorded a team-high three RBIs.

Justin McClure was the losing pitcher, allowing eight runs, six of which were earned, on eight hits and one walk in six innings while striking out six.