GULF SHORES — After wrapping up the 5A Area 2 championship over the weekend with a series win over runner-up Spanish Fort, the primary hosts of the 2007 NIKE Gulf Coast Classic earned a dominating win over Carroll.

Sophomore Gary Johnston got his first start and win of the season giving up just two hits.

Johnston had seven strikeouts in the game.

Kyle Stringfellow continued with his stellar season going 2-for-3 with 2 RBI’s in the game. Johnston also went 2-for-3 with 2 RBI’s. Kyle Kelso went .500 on the night with 2 RBI’s as well.

“After winning the Area we were worried about our kids playing flat,” said head coach Donnie Spohn. “We had some guys really step up that have been good for us all season.

“It was a total team effort and that is what we are looking for. We have won seven in a row and we are playing together at the right time.”

Spohn also spoke to Gulf Coast after locking up the Area Championship.

“We knew we had to win two — well three — big ball games, we had to go over and beat Williamson last night and win two tonight,” he said. “And this Spanish Fort team is as good as anybody we’ve played. They have a great program and will be a force to be reckoned with for a long time to come. Coach Walker has done a great job and it shows.”

Spohn said experience was also a factor. “Anytime you have more experience, you have an advantage. Our guys knew the task at hand, they clutched up and got it done. The difference between this team and teams I’ve coached before is that these guys never lose their composure, and they always feel they’re in it.”

— Tony Whitehead contributed to this article.