By By Matthew Nascone
Senior pitcher Tyler Brown did his best to help the Escambia Academy Cougars win their opening game of the season Feb. 20, but Central (Fla.) High School pulled it out 3-1.
Brown (0-1) went the distance and allowed three runs, all earned, on nine hits in six innings. He struck out 10 batters and walked four.
The Cougars grabbed an early lead in the second inning when senior Dustin Hall scored. Central scored one in the fifth inning and two in the sixth inning to pull ahead by the final of 3-1.
"I am very proud of my team," EA head coach Heath Gibson said. "They played good, solid defense, but could not get the bats going."
Brown's performance on the mound was overshadowed by the performance of Central's senior pitcher, Paul Baggott. Baggott pitched a complete game and allowed only one unearned run on one hit. He struck out 18 Cougars and walked five for the win.
"This game was a great pitcher's duel and both teams were sound defensively," Gibson said.
Hall went 0-for-3 at the plate, but scored the Cougars' only run and stole a base and senior Ethan Brooks was 1-for-3 at the plate with one stolen base.
The Cougars faced Central at home Friday and the results will be in an upcoming Advance. Up next for EA is an away game in Greenville against Fort Dale Academy tomorrow. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.