Guider’s gem powers PCA to win over Briarfield

Published 9:32 am Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Three days removed from a bad game, Porters Chapel Academy bounced back with one of its better efforts of the young season.

Kyle Guider allowed one unearned run in five innings, and the Eagles scored in every inning to earn an 11-1, run-rule victory over Briarfield Academy on Monday.

“It was a game where everybody chipped in, whether it was playing good defense or getting a hit or laying down a bunt. We only made one error, and that was in the first inning,” PCA coach Wade Patrick said. “It was just a good win. We’re glad to get back on the winning track.”

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PCA committed six errors and was routed 13-2 by Bayou Academy on Friday night. It fell behind 1-0 in the top of the first against Briarfield, then quickly seized control.

The Eagles (2-2) tied it with a run in the bottom of the first, took the lead with three in the second, added two in the third, four in the fourth and one more in the fifth for the mercy rule win.

Brayden Ray hit a two-run, inside-the-park home run in the fourth inning and nearly every player in the lineup had a hit.

“You want to get back and just play better, and that was the main thing today was just to get rid of that taste of playing bad,” Patrick said.

Guider struck out nine batters and scattered four hits in his outing on the mound. Patrick said it was a quality start not just for Guider, but the entire staff. The Eagles have two more games scheduled this week — weather permitting — and Guider’s complete game allowed them to save some pitching if needed.

PCA is scheduled to host Rebul Academy Tuesday at 6 p.m., and will play at Canton on Thursday evening. Rain is in the forecast both days.

“He battled with his command a little bit early, but he battled through it and did a good job for us,” Patrick said. “It helped us save some arms. Now we’ve got everybody available for those other games later in the week.”