Southern Nash takes over 1st place in Big East, whips Fike 13-3

Firebirds powered by 14 hits, four RBIs from Luke Faulkner and a five-inning complete game by Caiden Peeler

Mar. 18, 2026 at 8:26am

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Southern Nash hammered Fike 13-3 in five innings to take over first place in the Big East, powered by 14 hits, four RBIs from Luke Faulkner and a five-inning complete game by Caiden Peeler.

Why it matters

The win was the fourth straight for the 5-A Firebirds, now 6-1 overall, and third without a loss against 5-A/6-A Big East Conference competition, leaving them temporarily in first place. This puts Southern Nash in a strong position to potentially win the Big East title.

The details

Southern Nash pounded 14 hits with second baseman Isaiah Battle and catcher Maddox Deans each collecting three hits. Right fielder Luke Faulkner rapped a two-run double in one official at-bat but finished with four RBIs. Deans, left fielder Faison Overby and third baseman Joshua Battle each drove in two runs. Starting pitcher Caiden Peeler notched the five-inning complete game on 96 pitches, scattering five hits and allowing three unearned runs.

  • On Tuesday, March 17, Southern Nash defeated Fike 13-3 in five innings.
  • Southern Nash visits Hunt (4-2, 2-0 Big East) on Thursday, with the winner getting an extended stay atop the league standings.

The players

Southern Nash

A 5-A high school baseball team that is currently in first place in the Big East Conference with a 6-1 overall record.

Fike

A 5-A/6-A high school baseball team that fell to 1-6 overall and 1-2 in Big East Conference play after the loss to Southern Nash.

Caiden Peeler

The starting pitcher for Southern Nash who threw a five-inning complete game, scattering five hits and allowing three unearned runs.

Luke Faulkner

The right fielder for Southern Nash who had a two-run double and finished with four RBIs in the game.

Isaiah Battle

The second baseman for Southern Nash who collected three hits in the game.

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What’s next

The winner of the Thursday matchup between Southern Nash and Hunt will get an extended stay atop the Big East Conference standings.

The takeaway

Southern Nash's dominant performance against Fike, powered by their offensive outburst and strong pitching, has put them in first place in the Big East Conference. This sets up a crucial showdown on Thursday against fellow unbeaten team Hunt, with the winner taking control of the conference race.