After rallying on numerous occasions during the season, a comeback wasn't in the cards for the Phoenix Pirates this time.

PHS fell victim to a seven-run second inning, dropping a 7-5 decision at Junction City in the first round of the Class 4A Playoffs on May 23.

After scoring twice in the top of the first inning, the Pirates retired the host Tigers in order in the bottom of the frame. Junction City did all of its scoring in the fateful second, using five singles and an error to put its seven runs on the boards. The Tigers would not score again but had enough to hold off PHS.

Freedom Martinez started for the Pirates before Mason Stella took over in the second inning. Stella worked out of the second and shut out Junction City the rest of the way. Phoenix scored a run in the fourth and two more in the fifth but wasn't able to get any closer.

Stella and Kade Beer both had two hits for the Pirates, who finished the second 17-10. Junction City went on to defeat Skyline Conference champion Henley on Friday to advance to Tuesday's state semifinals.