Straughn’s Cody Hughes hit his first career home run in the fifth inning Thursday night to help lead his team to a 5-4 road victory over Elba.

This was Hughes’ first game back after having complications with his shoulder.

“He’s worked through that and he’s back now, and that’s going to be a big boost to our team,” Straughn coach John Fussell said.

Hughes also had a good night on the mound earning the win for the Tigers (23-5, 3-0 in Class 3A, Area 3).

Hughes struck out three batters in his win and Straughn’s Nick Allen came in for relief.

Fussell said Allen did a good “job of keeping us in the game.”

“He did real well,” he said.

Zack Stinson came in after Allen and earned the save.

Luke Fussell, Levi Lumpkin, Chase Short, Stinson and Allen all had one single each.

In the first inning, courtesy runner Jacob Ganous scored off of an RBI single from Hughes.

Straughn’s Chase Parker and Zack Turvin had one double each.

Fussell said his team played well on defense Thursday night.

“Defensively, our outfield and infield played pretty well,” Fussell said. “Our outfield was so bad at Opp that that’s all we worked on Wednesday was fly balls. I thought Elba had a pretty solid team.”

Straughn is the No. 1 seed in its area and has already earned a ticket to the playoffs after sweeping Central-Hayneville.

In order to host the first round of the playoffs, Straughn will need to beat Luverne once next Thursday.

Right now, Fussell said the team is working on improving for the most crucial part of the season.

“We’re just trying to get better and get ready for the part of the season that matters the most with Luverne coming up and the first round of the playoffs,” he said.

Counting the game Thursday night, Straughn has completed 28 games, more games than any other Class 3A school, Fussell said.

“We’ve played a lot of baseball,” he said.

One positive note for the Tigers is the fact that many players are returning to the field after suffering injuries during the season, notably Josh Dewrell and Hughes.

“We’re finally starting to get healthy,” Fussell said.

Straughn will host Wicksburg Monday in a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m.

Monday’s game will also help to benefit Relay for Life. A part of the proceeds from the gate will be donated to Relay for Life.

In addition, the softball team will be holding a benefit doubleheader for RL as well against Florala.