The Wallace Govs did what teams are expected to do when they are playing homecoming opponents—win and win big. That's exactly what they  did in their doubleheader sweep Thursday afternoon against the Wallace -Selma Patriots. The Govs won both games by the10-run rule. The Govs won the first game 17-6 in six innings, then capped things off with an 11-1 win in game two in only five innings.

The wins were big for another reason. Wallace is now in a tie for first place in the conference. That happened after Enterprise State was swept in their games against Bevill State. Both teams are now 18-8 in conference play.

With two impressive wins, Wallace Coach Ryan Ihle's post-game comments were a little surprising.

"After winning two gamed by 10 runs, it's kind of hard to find anything negative to say," he said. But of course, not everything was perfect.

"We didn't really pitch it as well with our starters, but we had some guys go come out of the bullpen and throw the ball really well. We've got to get batter in that facet to give us more of a complete game."

The Govs fell behind in both games. Starting pitcher Jake Middleton gave up three runs in the first two innings of game one. But by the bottom of the second that three- run deficit was gone and the Govs had a whopping lead. The Govs sent 15 batters to the plate in the bottom of the second alone. Ten batters scored, there were eight hits in the inning including a three-run homer from Jackson Cliatt.

And from there, it just got worse. Blake Wynn hit a two-run homer in the third inning as part of a three-run inning. Jackson Gleaton had a three-run walk off homer in the sixth that ended the game.

All total, the Govs had 14 hits, four batters walked, and one was hit by a pitch. Not one single Gov struck out in the game.

Only one Gov struck out in game two and that came late in the game with the Govs already ahead by eight runs. It appeared to be one of those "big lead" strikes. The Govs had 10 hits in this contest including a homer from JT Thigpen.

Every single batter reached base at least one time including Blake Wynn who had a double, a single, a walk and four RBIs. Catcher Peyton Ryback, who is usually counted on more for his defense, got in on the act. Ryback went 2-for-3 with a double and a triple and an RBI.

"I felt better today," Ryback said. "I changed my swing up a little bit. I stand a little taller and it just feels better. The extra batting practice has really helped. Drew Shiver helped me and several others with our swings. But I think the biggest thing is we're just swinging freer."

"It was a good day to hit," Ihle said. "The wind was blowing out so it was one of those days you want to be at the plate. I thought we stung some balls pretty good."
 The Govs and the Patriots will complete their four-game conference series Saturday in Selma.