Crenshaw Christian Academy fell behind early, but the bats

eventually came alive as the Cougars beat visiting Sparta Academy 15-5 on Monday.

The Cougars totaled 13 hits off erratic Sparta pitching and took advantage of numerous infield and outfield errors to pull ahead and stay ahead.

Brock Free, pitching relief in the second, took the win for CCA. The Cougars' pitching only gave up four hits to Sparta.

And after the initial spurt by Sparta in the first two innings, the CCA defense was stellar.

"They did real good," said Cougars' head coach Roland Jones. "Our defense has been playing well all year. We've got five games this week and I've been trying to pitch a few young guys to give us some depth if we go that far."

The victory improved CCA's record to 15-6 on the season.

The Cougars are also 6-1 and in first place in Class A, East Area 1.

"They work hard," said Jones. "We practice six days a week."

Jones said his team has two more area games, both next week against Ashford Academy. One is at home and one is on the road. Jones said if the Cougars secure both of those victories then CCA will host its sub-regional contest, which is shaping up to be against South Montgomery County Academy.

The winner of the sub-regional, best two-out-three, goes to Selma for the Final Four and the AISA Class 1A State Baseball Tournament.

Free was 3-for-3 on Monday against Sparta. Cory Walden added two hits and an RBI. Bryan Brasington chipped in a hit and RBI, while Donald McDonald added a triple and a single. Andrew Powell had two doubles, scoring one CCA runner. Sloan Carter was 1-for-3 and Foster Carpenter and Andrew Armour added a hit apiece.