GULF SHORES — Fairhope finished day one of the Nike Gulf Coast Classic with a 1-1 record after beating beating the Gardendale Rockets 4-3 in extra innings, but the Pirates fell to Oneonta 2-0 in game two.

The 21-9 Pirates got things going early against Gardendale with a three-run blast in the third inning by senior Michael Raia. The three-RBI home run drove in Garrett Pitts and Nathaniel Lami who both reached with base hits.

After the first inning Fairhope struggled to create any offense hitting into five double plays in game one.

The Rockets were able to tie the game at 3-3 to send the game into extra innings. In the ninth inning, J.D. Hoffren reached base to get things going and junior shortstop Jake Carnley came in to pinch hit and flied out to deep center driving in the winning run.

Fairhope then gathered themselves for a matchup against Oneonta just 30 minutes later.

Over the weekend, Fairhope won their final regular season area series over Foley two games to one. In game one the Pirates drubbed the Lions 11-1, but lost game two 3-1. In game three, Fairhope defeated Foley 5-4 for the series victory. The Pirates have played five games in four days and head coach Stu Fuller decided to give middle reliever Andin McLeod the start against Oneonta.

"We have played five games in four days, so that is why we went with him," he said. "I thought he did a good job on the mound for us. He located his pitches at times, but he had to many walks."

McLeod had three walks in the game, but they came at crucial points. The junior had trouble with his breaking pitches and found himself behind on the count throughout the game. McLeod pitched the entire game and had two strikeouts.

In the top of the second inning Oneonta's lead off hitter reached base on balls and advanced to third after McLeod's pitch slipped past catcher Alan Smith. An RBI ground out scored the first run of the game and McLeod added another walk.

In the bottom half Fairhope had runners on first and third with two outs, but failed to drive in the tying run.

Oneonta scored another run in the fifth inning as the Redskins played small ball and executed a perfect bunt down the first base line. Oneonta scored on another fielders choice ground out.

Fairhope had another opportunity to drive in a run in the sixth, but failed to generate offense.

"We just couldn't get things going," Fuller said. "We really haven't been able to get things going all day. We scored three runs in the one inning, but we just didn't execute."

Fairhope faced the Dolphins at the Gulf Shores Sports Complex on Tuesday, but due to deadline issues, the story can be found at www.baldwincountynow.com.