FLOWERY BRANCH -- Patrick Henry tossed a five-hitter and allowed just one run as Flowery Branch whipped Johnson 6-1 Saturday in a key Region 7-AAA game for the Falcons.
Henry pitched a complete game for Flowery Branch (21-2, 17-2 in region) striking out eight. Nick Denard pitched five innings for the Knights giving up five hits and three earned runs to take the loss.
The Falcons needed a win to stay tied with Gainesville (18-5, 17-2) for the top spot in the region standings. The Elephants beat White County 6-5 Friday.
The Knights (8-15, 5-14) have lost five of their last six games.
Johnson took a 1-0 lead in the first inning but the Falcons answered with single runs in the first and second, and fourth innings, two more in the fifth and one run in the sixth.
Danny Price, Henry, Greg Palmer, Travis Coxworth, and Cameron Wilson all had hits for Flowery Branch.
For Johnson Jared Stone had two hits, Will Rowlett had one hit and one run scored, and Denard and Logan Pethel each had one hit.
Johnson has a chance to play spoiler playing host to North Hall Monday. The Trojans are battling with White County for the fourth playoff spot.
Flowery Branch travels to West Forsyth Monday.