Escambia Academy fell 6-5 in its season opener Tuesday afternoon at Baker, Fla.

The Cougars scored one run each in the final three innings.

“They fought, and it was back and forth,” EA coach Jeff Price said.

Ben Martin went 2-for-3 with two doubles and three RBIs; Kainoa Gumapac went 1-for-4 with an RBI; and Cole Waters went 1-for-4 with a double.

Price said the loss only energized the team.

“We had a couple mistakes, but I think with the loss, they realize they had a good chance to win the ball game,” he said. “It’s a building game more than anything else. We’re going to practice the rest of this week and get ready for Monday.”

EA travels to play in the Clarke Prep Academy Tournament next week. The Cougars play Jackson at 4 p.m. on Monday, and then Marengo at 2 p.m. on Feb. 18.