[3/1/03]Ryan Hoben strapped Porters Chapel on his back Friday night and delivered one of the biggest wins in school history.

He pitched eight innings, allowed two earned runs on three hits and struck out 10 in leading the Eagles (2-0) to a 4-3 win over No. 5 Simpson Academy in 11 innings.

“Hoben was the story tonight,” PCA coach Randy Wright said. “He pitched unbelievably. This is just a huge win for this team.”

Simpson, which had already beaten ranked teams Magnolia Heights and University Christian, fell to 2-1.

With the score tied in the 11th, Hoben singled and moved to second on a Josh Gain walk. Aaron Curry’s single scored Hoben with the game-winning run.

Andrew Embry pitched the final three innings and retired Simpson in the bottom of the 11th to get the win.

Hoben led PCA with a pair of doubles and a single.

Meridian 5, WC 0

Andrew Simmons took his first loss of the season as Warren Central dropped to 0-3 with a shutout loss to Meridian in the Mid-Mississippi Classic on Friday night.

Simmons gave up two hits over three innings and allowed only one earned run. Josh Gordon pitched three innings of relief and gave up two runs on three hits and struck out two.

Neil Tillotson had two of the Vikings’ six singles on the night.

WC will play Morton this morning at 8:30 a.m. at Brandon, then is scheduled to play McGil-Toolin of Mobile, Ala., at 4 p.m. at Brandon.