There was no need for an epic comeback for the Phoenix baseball team on Thursday.

Rather than rally as they have had to do on several other occasions this season, the Pirates led from the outset on their way to a 10-6 win over Douglas in a 4A play-in game at Hagler-James Field at the Colver Sports Complex.

The victory advances PHS to a the OSAA playoffs. The Pirates will open the tournament on Wednesday, visiting Junction City in a 4:30 pm start.

Phoenix scored five times in the first inning with key two-run hits coming from Brennan Watts and Jonathan Halligan. The lead grew to as big as eight runs, 10-2, after Dylan Knudson and Kevin Botermans both homered. 

Visiting Douglas countered with four runs over the final two innings and had the bases loaded with the tying run at the plate. Freshman pitcher Ethan Humble came on on relief to end the threat and advance Phoenix to the playoffs.

Freedom Martinez started and worked into the sixth inning before Knudson took over and eventually Humble. Watts finished with three hits and drove in four runs while Knudson, Botermans and Humble all had two hits.

The Pirates improved to 17-9 with the win. Phoenix has won six straight games.