By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–The Helena Huskies baseball team began their mission to get back to Montgomery on Friday, April 22, as they opened the AHSAA 5A Playoffs against the Sylacauga Aggies in a best of three game series.

The Huskies used a big first inning in game one coupled with solid pitching and Helena’s Connor Romanowski brought home the go-ahead run in the bottom of the ninth inning in game two to help preserve the sweep.

Game 1. Helena 8–Sylacauga 0

In the opening game of the series, Helena spent no time getting on the scoreboard as the Huskies plated five runs in the bottom of the first inning highlighted by a two-run single by Jake Busby and a two-run double by Nash Adams.

Sylacauga starting pitcher Cody Lessley lasted just two innings, allowing six runs while walking two as the Aggies couldn’t recover from the deficit.

Helena would score one run in the fourth and sixth innings to push the lead to 8-0 and never looked back.

Helena’s Robbie Lively led the Huskies at the plate going 2-3 that included a single, a double and two runs scored.

Helena starting pitcher Riley Davis had a strong outing as he pitched six shutout innings while striking out five and allowing just three hits.

Game 2. Helena 2–Sylacauga 1

Game two of the best of three series saw much more drama as opposed to game one, but a hard-hit double by Romanowski in the top of the ninth inning to score Adams put Helena ahead 2-1 as they held on in the bottom of the ninth to secure the series win.

The Aggies got on the scoreboard first in the bottom of the third inning by an RBI single by Anthony Comer, but Helena responded in the top of the fourth inning as Sam Praytor blasted a solo homerun over the left field wall to tie the game at one apiece.

Helena got solid pitching from starting pitcher Brooks Freeman and reliever Richard Fitts as they combined to give up one run in the win.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Fitts had to work out of trouble to close out the game as Sylacauga had runners on second and third with one out in the inning and threatened to tie or win in the game.

After an intentional walk to load the bases and set up a potential game ending double play, Fitts responded by striking out the next two batters to end the game and send the Huskies to the second round of the playoffs.

Helena will host Jemison in a best of three game series beginning Friday, April 29, in the second round of the playoffs. Games one and two will be April 29 and a third game will take place April 30 if necessary.