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Lafayette Christian School christened its brand-new baseball field on Thursday with the inaugural games being played for the Cougars. The middle school team was first, followed by the high school team that saw its late rally against Flint River fall just short, 5-4.

It was all Flint River early as the Wildcats took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first and added to it with a run in the top of the third inning. 

The Cougars eventually got on the board when Matt Latour scored on a passed ball in the bottom of the sixth inning. Cody Batistini walked with the bases loaded later in the inning to trim the deficit to one run. Unfortunately for the home crowd, Lafayette Christian could not tie the game or take the lead despite having the bases loaded. 

The Wildcats quickly struck back with two runs in the top of the seventh to extend their lead back out to three runs. 

The bottom of the seventh was as dramatic as it comes. Paul Batistini scored on a wild pitch to score the first run of the half-inning. Noah Childrees scored on a passed ball later in the inning to cut the deficit to one run, but could not find the tying run.

Noah and Landon Childrees were the only two Cougars to get a hit in the game. 

Only one of the runs allowed by the Cougars was earned as the four errors the team committed proved costly. 

Paul Batistini got the start on the mound and pitched 3 2/3 innings, allowing just two hits on six strikeouts. Whit Bowden pitched three solid innings in relief, allowing one hit on three strikeouts. Dustin Ogle also saw time on the mound for the Cougars.

Lafayette Christian will get to use the new field once again on Feb. 23 when the Cougars welcome Peachtree Academy to town.