A two-run bases-loaded single by Dillon Maples provided the margin of victory as Pinecrest defeated Lee County 6-4 in nine innings on Wednesday evening in Sanford.

The Patriots, now 18-2, had managed to produce only one base hit in the game when they went into the top of the seventh inning trailing 4-3. Cam Embler, who had committed an error in the Jackets’ three-run sixth, redeemed himself with a clutch two-out base hit that scored pinch runner Alan Watson with the equalizer.

The decisive top of the ninth began with a walk to Austin Embler. Cam Embler and Evan Guy then beat out bunts to load the bases with none out. Maples followed with his ground ball single up the middle.

Guy, the Patriots’ third pitcher of the night, brought the three-hour game to a close by retiring the Jackets in order, the final two batters on strikeouts.

The Patriots got outstanding relief work from Tristan Helms and Guy. Playing for the first time since April 2 because of a foot injury, Helms allowed one earned run and three hits in 4 1/3 innings. Guy, now 2-0, gave up no runs and one hit in four innings of work.

Centerfielder Pat Moore extended his hitting streak to eight games when the Jackets allowed his high pop fly to short right field in the eighth inning drop in for a single. First baseman Maples handled 11 chances flawlessly, including a diving grab of a hard ground ball and a flip to Guy covering the bag for the first out of the ninth.

The two-game non-conference series continues with the Yellow Jackets visiting Pinecrest on Thursday for a 7 p.m. “70’s Night” contest. Both teams will be dressed in throwback uniforms and all songs will be from the 70’s picked by the players. Fans are encouraged to dress in appropriate 70’s attire.