SPANISH FORT, Ala. — For the second straight year, Spanish Fort opened the playoff season with a home sweep over the Faith Academy Rams. And for the third year in a row, the Toros will face St. Paul’s in the post season.

The defending 5A state champions from The Hill swept Faith 5-1 early and reached the 29-win mark in a 7-5 nightcap victory.

Spanish Fort coach Tommy Walker said his players seemed to lose focus in both games, but played through it, especially in Game 2 when the Rams rallied late.

“We didn't play overtly well — but hey, anytime you move on — you take it. We're playing next week. Coach (Lloyd) Skoda had a great scouting report on us and did a nice job preparing his team.”

Walker said the timing of spring break this year was not ideal balancing practice schedules with some time off.

“This time of year is always tough. As coaches, you want to give them some time off at the beach and some at practice. But we’ll take the two wins. Rocky (McCord) and Chris (Beasley) pitched well, not as sharp as (past games) but when they got out there with (runners) in scoring position, they got better. That's what they do. Didn't have great command today, but they know how to pitch. Troy (Brown) did a good job in relief for us.

“So, we’re excited about playing again. Didn’t care who. It’s St. Paul’s. They’ll come here and we’ll have a good time playing them. We know how good they are. Not going to over look them.”

The Rams fought hard to the end rallying to within two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning in the elimination game.

But the Toros had opened Game 2 with a 6-run burst in the first inning with Auburn signee Rocky McCord on the mound. Zac Fowler singled in a pair of runs while four crossed on errors. A wild pitch scored run seven in the fourth. McCord improved to 7-1 with the win with Troy Brown closing. Chris Beasley, who won Game 1, had two hits and Danny Rose a ground rule double.

Faith’s Caleb Lopes, Taylor Nichols and Addison Waller had an RBI single each for the Rams who finished the year at 13-12.

In the first inning of the opener McCord had a two-RBI double, while Jake Brackhan, Rose and Fowler each drove in a run for SFHS. Beasley improved to 6-2 with the two-hit win, giving way in the fifth to senior reliever Troy Brown. Brown picked up the save finishing his two innings with the tying run at the plate — his first cousin Jonathan Brown — the Rams’ sophomore center fielder. Experience conquered youth as the senior right hander prevailed to strike out the tough-out southpaw for the final out. It was the Faulkner State signee’s fourth save this year.

Spanish Fort hosts No. 7 St. Paul's in the second round.