COMMERCE — Lakeview Academy jumped out to a quick lead, fell behind, and then used a late-inning rally to knock off Class A Public No. 8 Commerce 8-4 on the road Tuesday in a big Region 8-A showdown.
The win pushed Lakeview (11-2, 3-0 Region 8-A) to the top of the Region 8-A standings for the moment.
The Lions scored three runs in the first inning to grab the lead but the Tigers (10-4, 0-1) scored single runs in the first and second and two more in the third to take a 4-3 lead. It stayed that way until Lakeview tied the game at 4 with a run in the fifth.
Parker Allen gave the Lions the lead for good with a RBI single in the sixth and they blew the game open with three runs in the top of the seventh.
Ian Echols started and went six innings allowing four runs on five hits to get the win. Campbell Melson pitched a scoreless seventh to help preserve the victory.
Sam Stewart went 3 for 4 with two RBI and also stole a base. Jordan Thomas had two hits and 3 RBI, including a two-run double in the seventh to break the game open.
Holden Cooper also had a RBI single in the seventh.
Commerce next will travel to Class A Private No. 6 George Walton on Thursday. Lakeview next will play host to Prince Avenue on Friday.
