The Buccaneers relied on a strong pitching performance from Evan Mullinax, who struck out seven Patriots in the first three innings alone.

Wallace’s first hit came off a single from Earnest Harris in the bottom of the third.

The Buccaneers got their offense going again in the top of the fifth when Austin Kilbourne hit a solo home run and made it a 3-0 game.

Then it was Wilhite again who provided offense for Shelton as he drove in two runners with a single to put the Buccaneers up 5-0 in the top of the fifth.

The Patriots got runners in scoring position in the sixth, but the Buccaneers struck out the next two batters to end the inning.

Shelton State scored its final two runs in the top of the ninth.

The Patriots will take the diamond again Wednesday, Feb. 15 at Bloch Park in a doubleheader against Meridian with the first game starting at 5 p.m.