Two years after losing in the state finals, Vincent is one win away from a Class 2A baseball title.

Right-hander Landon Archer shut down Pike Liberal Arts on the mound and had a key two-run single at the plate as the top-ranked Yellow Jackets won Game 1 of the best-of-3 series 7-0 at Oxford’s Choccolocco Park.

Game 2 is set for 10 a.m. Tuesday at Jacksonville State’s Rudy Abbott Field. Game 3 would follow if the Patriots can even the series.

“It feels really good to get that first one,” Vincent coach Timothy Junkins said. “We were here two years ago and got down early in that series. I felt like we kind of got that off our backs tonight. But, to my knowledge, last year I think two state champions won Games 2 and 3 to win it. Our job is not done.”

Archer scattered 5 hits in the shutout. He struck out 6 and walked 3. He returned to the mound to pitch the sixth inning after a 90-minute rain delay. He eventually gave way to Aiden Gasaway, who got the final three outs.

“He would probably tell you this hasn’t been his best postseason numbers wise, but he stepped up today,” Junkins said of Archer. “We’ve had one or two guys step up every game, and that is what it takes to win a state title. Landon stepped up today, and I couldn’t be more proud.”

Vincent (33-7) took the lead on Aiden Poe’s RBI single in the top of the first and then added 3 runs in the fourth and 3 more in the fifth to take command.

Keller Finn had an RBI single in the fifth. Archer drove in 2 with a single in the sixth and scored on Ethan McElrath’s RBI double.

“We came out early and didn’t play well,” Pike Liberal Arts coach Will Austin said. “Against a team like that, you have to play well. Tomorrow is a new day, a new opportunity, and we are excited for that.”

The Patriots (22-16) committed a pair of key errors in the game, leading to 6 unearned runs. Starter Kade Brookins took the loss. He gave up 6 hits and all 7 runs in 4.2 innings. Cole Garrott and Dawson Bradford got the final two outs.

“I talked to our guys before the game and just told them if we do the simple things right, we will find a way to win,” Vincent leadoff batter Casen Fields said. “That’s what happened.”

Key statistics: Vincent – Poe finished 2-for-3 with an RBI and a walk. Calvin Johnson also was 2-for-3 with an RBI. Pike Liberal Arts – Pruitt Vaughn, Jackson Bowen, Luke Barron, Garrett Whitaker and Brookins all had hits.

Did you know? Pike Liberal coach Will Austin is the grandson of legendary PLA coach Butch Austin, who won 422 games and an AISA state title at the school. Although they have never won an AHSAA title, Pike Liberal is playing for a championship for the 10th time in 15 playoff seasons.

Did you know II? Vincent is looking for its third state baseball title. The Yellow Jackets won back-to-back in 1984 and 1985.

This post will be updated