FPD a win away from state title after Game 1 win over Stratford

Brady McHugh homered and drove in early runs as FPD took the opener of the best-of-three Class 4A championship series.

STATESBORO, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — First Presbyterian Day School is one win away from a state baseball championship after taking Game 1 of its best-of-three Class 4A title series against Stratford on Thursday night in Statesboro.

The all-Macon matchup was delayed by weather, pushing first pitch from its scheduled 7 p.m. start to about 9 p.m.

Once the game began, FPD took control early.

Brady McHugh helped set the tone defensively in the first inning with a diving stop and throw to first, helping the Vikings retire Stratford in order.

McHugh then delivered at the plate in the bottom of the first, driving a ball off the wall in left-center field to bring home Major Simmons from second and give FPD a 1-0 lead.

The Vikings added to the lead in the third when McHugh hit a solo home run to left-center field, putting FPD ahead 2-0.

Later in the inning, Grant Martin brought in Wyatt Waters on a sacrifice fly to make it 3-0.

FPD kept building from there, adding two more runs in the fourth and two in the fifth to pull away in Game 1.

Simmons also made one of the defensive plays of the night in center field, making a sliding catch in the second inning to keep Stratford off the board.

FPD is seeking its first state title since 2010. Stratford is trying to win its first state championship since 2007.

Game 2 is scheduled for Friday night at 7 p.m.