By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Two teams that both made impressive runs in the 2015 postseason and finished as the 2015 AHSAA 7A and 5A State Runner-ups, both faced off to open the 2016 season in a double header at Helena High School on Wednesday, Feb. 17.

Helena and Thompson split the double header as the Warriors defeated Helena 7-3 in game one and the Huskies bounced back to win game two 9-3.

Game 1. Thompson 7 – Helena 3

The Thompson bats came alive in game one as the Warriors used a key double that plated three runs as Jackson Connor cleared the bases on an RBI double in the top of the fifth inning that put the Warriors up 6-1. Heath Haskins also provided two RBIs on two hits, including a solo-home run in the third inning. The winning pitcher for the Warriors was JC Parker, who allowed one run over three innings while striking out three.

Game 2. Helena 9 – Thompson 3

The second game of the series was going similar to game one until the Huskies exploded for a seven-run inning in the bottom of the fifth. The Warriors led 3-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth and three straight walks to load the bases helped spark the huge inning for Helena. The Huskies scored runs on two errors, a bases-loaded walk and a single by Troy Cordrey and Nash Adams to jump out to an 8-1 lead. The Huskies never looked back and held Thompson scoreless the rest of the way. Richard Fitts recorded the win on the mound for the Huskies after striking out two and allowing no hits on 1.2 innings pitched.